Hey everybody. So I have a 53 Dodge pickup. The biggest problem that I have left is the rearend. I cant the car to get over 45-50mph. So Im guessing that the gears on this rear are too low. Sooooooooooo I need to put another rear under the truck so I can cruise at 70. The thought is a middle gear(2.4-2.8) to go in. My question is: when you replace a rearend, besides the width, what do you have to worry about? I really have no idea what all goes in to switching out a rearend but it must be changed. Any detailed photos or illustrations would help.
First off we need more info on the truck,like engine,trans and tire height,then it would be easier to pick a gear ratio. Then you need to find a suitable rearend that has the right width and bolt pattern. Be prepared to cut off the spring pads to relocate to the proper width and if you get lucky the driveshaft will work,maybe just a different u-joint.
We hung a 76 Camaro rear end under one without any issues but used the whole engine trans and rear out of the Camaro. Hey don't throw a fit, I got the 55 Desoto 231 out of it for a future project. As 64 Krusty said we need more info to be of a real help. What engine, what trans. I'd suggest looking for mid 60's through 80's rear wheel drive Mopar full size car or half ton pickup rear ends. And probably 3.08 to 3.44 rather than the 2 something if you have the flathead six and stick trans.
I have a mid-70's Dodge 318 engine and a 3speed auto behind it. The tires are about 28 inches. Thanks for the interest guys.
Your big issues will be: width and bolt pattern, everything else can be overcome fairly easy. You'll probably have to mount new spring pads, taking your pinion angle into account. Your driveline may have to be lengthened or shortened, but probably not. You can use an offset u-joint to match up your new rearend with your old driveshaft. OR.... You could have a new ring and pinion installed in your current rearend, saving you a ton of expense and fabrication...just my worthless opinion
Are you sure it's the diff and not a poor running engine? If the engine is in good shape, it may have the ignition overly retarded. My dad used to drive these pickups down to L.A. from the north of the Ventura oil fields to pick up parts for the oil rigs etc. Many times I went with him and we had no probs keeping up with the 60 mph traffic. You need to find out what your gear ratio is. I'm guessing it's not too low. Do a search here on the HAMB on how to figure gear ratios without yanking the diff.
Don't hold me to this, it's been quite a few years but I used a Plymouth Volare rear axle under a early 50's Dodge pu along with the Volare's 318, auto. If I remember right I think it was a bolt in, I don't remember having to cut the pads off. The truck did run great with that combo.
And I have done almost the same with the Volare rears. I believe the Volare rear is about 1/2 or 3/4 inch narrower. and it too should be a 5 on 4 3/4 bolt pattern. Just my .07 cents. Mott
It will be a 4 something not a 2 something and being mopar the diff is probably a dana (just an educated guess by no means am i sure) and you should be able to change your ratio fairly easily. good luck
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