Rearend

anyone know what kind of rearend that will bolt right up to a 51 gmc truck i want somethin with better gears and an open driveshaft

 

What lug bolt pattern?
We put a 56 1/2 ton in a 53 and it fit well but it wasn't a bolt in. I don't believe anything is a direct bolt in.
You either have to move mounts or weld on the Moroso style mounts and drill a new locating hole to center the axle in the wheel well.

Under my 48 I have had
61 Impala axle with all the brackets trimmed off and Moroso mounts welded on. I ran 15x7 67/69 Z28 Ralley wheels with that and they fit great.

68/70 something Nova with the same mounts welded on. This is too narrow to run wheels that don't have a lot of back spacing.
Late 60's Impala 12 bolt. Again you have to clean all the brackets off. I ran it as a 4 link setup with coils. The width is good for most rims that are 8 inch or less wide.

 

Check over here http://www.stovebolt.com/ they have just about everything covered. I think a lot of guys use S10 rears.

 

k yea i want sumthin with the 6 bolt lugs

 

60s Chevy/GMC would be closest to a bolt in, but still not really. Toyota/Mazda mini trucks may be the correct width, and you can add perches. They are not too expensive.

 

toyota is a good choice, cheap and strong and has axles with bigger dia. than a 9" ford.