1955 Olds Rear End

I am building my 29 sports coupe using a 1955 olds 324 rocket engine, stock ****** and driveshaft and have a question on using the 55 olds rear end. I believe it is about 58 inches wide which should fit nicely between the quarters of the sport coupe. I'm just trying to find out if there are any drawbacks I should be aware of. This is a vehicle that will only be a cruiser and the wheels are not going to be spun for the sport of it. It will not be abused on the street or ever see the strip. I'm a government worker and can't be caught chirping my tires or I lose my job. Any help on the olds rear end will be great. Thanks.

 

Those are very strong rear ends. A fair amount of different gear ratios, there should be no problems. Don't forget to fill it up with synthetic gear oil. And go ahead and spin the tires - a LOT - as your employer, I give you my blessing.

 

Probably the worst part about the rear is finding the u-joint to fit. IIRC it has the flange type of joint. The rear is basically the same as the later olds rear so finding new gears can be a h***le. A good style with the smooth rear housing, fairly heavy duty.

I've been running a later Olds rear under my truck for about 15 years with one wreck and lots of miles with no real problems.


jerry

 

Just going my memory which has been fading fast, the 57-64 olds pontiac rears have been used many times years ago. For 57-64 range, they were very strong. There are some aftermarket parts still around. The 55 rearend probably is still plenty strong especially for the small rod, but parts may not be as plentiful. The axles may be slightly smaller too. Someone here may be able to give better info about this.

 

Bronco***** is right, the 55 rear is a little smaller as are it components than the 57-64 type.
There are no new gear sets being made so changing ratios would have to be done by locating old gear sets. There was not a posi made for the 55 type from the factory or aftermarket although if you are not going to drive it hard this should be no concern.
The flange can be swapped with one from a later 57-64 rear if need be. NAPA should still be able to get any bearings/seals needed as well as brakes.
The axle bearings are the same as big 9" Ford. I had a 56 housing in my Buick for a while. I ended up braking hte housing but the axles and internals never failed.
I have another smaller 55-56 type housing I will be running in a hotrod project and have no concerns of breaking it. If you have the housing, I would not hesitate to use it.

 

like everyone has said,those are tough rear ends man, you wont have any problems. i'll be running a 56 olds drivetrain in my 30 sport coupe and using the rear end as well. my 52 olds still has the stock rear end and never had one problem with it.

 

You'll never break it if its in good shape especially in that light car. Mine is stock and in the original two-ton car and I have abused it regularly for 9 years and even doubled engine hp in that time, the tires break loose even going into third. Changed out the oil recently and it was nice n' clean. The only bummer is the no posi thing cause I like two even strips of melted rubber on the pavement and while I've been close, one side is always longer.