I have a 1940 Chevy Master Deluxe tudor sedan. An interested party asked if there is a inexpensive and relatively easy way to change the rear end gearing. Currently, the original transmission sits behind a 261. Plenty of power. The vacuum assist is disconnected, so double clutching is necessary. The rear end is geared at 4.56. He would like to get into the mid-3's if possible. He might also like a later model transmission. I was wondering if the transmission, torque tube and rear end from an early 50's Chevy might be a possible transplant. Or would it be easier to just change out the center section to something with better gearing. If so, what would be a donor? thank you in advance for your suggestions
This will work: 50-54 powerglide chevys had 3.55 gears in the rear. 53 and 54 sticks had 3.70. Everything else pre 53 was at least 4.11 - some less than that. These torque tubes will plug into and passenger 37-54 rear - they are 5 lugs however. Regarding the trans, Patrick's in Arizona (520-836-1117) makes a conversion to put a 4 speed saginaw trans from a later model chevy onto the torque tube with no mods. The kit runs about $550 by the time you buy the kit, the rebuild parts and cover the shipping. I drove Patricks prototypes ad they are good kits. I may take a little crap here, but I think its a good thing if a guy wants to keep the torque tube. I wish there was a torque tube overdrive being produced and then it would be about perfect. Hope this helps
Are you saying thee torque tubes are the same length from '37 thru '54? And when you mention the later units being "5 lug", it suggests you are recommending replacement of the entire rear axle, rather than the torque tube/differential. Please clarify. Ray
the torque tubes are less than 1" different in length over the years so its inconsequential. yes it will plug into the 6 lug rear housing, its just that if you want to swap the whole thing, you have to deal with the 5 lug issue.
I might mention that on my 33 I have swapped a 37 rear housing with 53 torque tube so i have the gears and the later juice brakes and its narrow enough it looks almost factory
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