I'm just wondering if theres any other way to convert a 3/4 ton 8 lug 55 chevy P/U to 5 lug, other than swapping the front axle, I want it to have a straight axle because its gonna be gasser style. I know about the early 50s car hubs going on half ton spindles. unfortunately the 3/4 ton spindles are different, theres a junkyard in the area that MIGHT have a half ton axle but I want to see if I have any other options just in case I cant find a whole new axle. My buddy works at a machine shop and has access to all the tooling after hours, I'm wondering if he could machine the kingpin holes on a half ton spindle to accept the 3/4 ton kingpin. The h/t kingpins are .867 diam. and 5.312" long. The 3/4 T are .981 diam. and 5.64" long. I dont know if its possible, just an idea, any input will be appreciated, thanks
There are also people who have adapted 1/2 ton spindles to the 3/4 ton axle but why? 1/2 ton axles are cheap and readily available- put a wtb ad on craigslist and you will get people who are putting in mustang 11 front ends looking to sell them.
I have the whole thing, leafs and all in my carport. I'll sell but it would cost a fortune to get it to ya....
I was thinking about that, thats my second option, if the wrecking yard doesnt have one, because I really would like to just swap the axle. Im just exploring my options so I have an alternative way to do it just in case. I live in a smaller city so Im not sure how many will be around on Craigslist. If I have to have it shipped too far I'm sure that big chunk of iron wont be cheap
Will 1950 chev spindles fit the 3/4 axles? I have a set layin around haven't measured or matched them up. Just pondering
Go to there website they ask for specs to get you the right quote. Either way they are usually way cheaper than anyone else
I actually searched for the nearest store and theres one a block from my house! Any guess on what a straight axle weighs? Ill stop by there tomorrow and see what they have to say... coololdcars; maybe ill hit you up about that axle depending on what they say!
I don't know of the top of my head. Nice I will keep checking the post to see if any updates. I hear 51-54 chev but I don't know why the 49-50 wouldn't work. Same aren't they?
Just PM me , I can pull the springs off and make it more shipping friendly. Probably can get you a weight too.... This all came out of my Henry J gasser. I'm putting in a chrome tube,so it has been in a car and drivin. Dave!!!
Well the guy that sold me the truck ended up having an axle that he said came out of a 58 apache, he just gave it to me for free. The thing is, its quite a bit different, the springs angle in together toward the front... on my 55 truck the springs are straight. And the entire axle is also about 4 inches narrower... The spindles are correct and it is a 6 lug though... So looks like Ill be calling my machinist friend to bore the holes on the spindles out about an 8th of an inch, (give or take... I'm no machinist lol) Which I think should be fine, theres more than a half inch of steel around the hole, so it wont be too thin. Hes a damn good machinist so he will know. Now i have to come up with 50 bucks for a new 3/4 ton king pin set so he has a fresh new part to get a good diam. measurement from.
That axle your guy gave you must not be from a '58. I have a '59, and the springs are parallel on mine. I think the earlier ones do angle in at the front, but not the Task Force trucks. Good Luck on it. Glad to hear no IFS.
We have machined the hubs and drums to 5 lug 5x4 3/4 on several 6 lug truck axles. We have also found that Toyota pickups have nice steering arms that are bolt on for these axles.
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