1953 chevy truck rear end width

I am building a 53 chevy truck and was wondering what rear end is most commonly used by you hambers. I have a 66 chvey II which is a little narrow for the bed. I have a 72 nova which is a little better but still a little tight on the bed side. I also have some 9 inch fords but want to avoid the $$$ involved in having one of those narrowed. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Well they are 61" I think stock or 62", 2nd and 3rd gen camaros might fit, I am getting a 9" from a 57-9 rancharo that 61", also some 80's impalas and olds and buicks sized cars are supposed to be close, Just have to get out to the junk yard and measure a bunch.

 

60 inches mounting surface to mounting surface works well........

 

'55-64 car works. '68-74 Nova works.
I have a '57 in my '53. I am running 15x8 rims with I believe a 4 3/4" backset, but I'm not absolutely positive on that, it's been awhile... with 235/75-R15 tires. I have about an inch of daylight between the bed sides and the tires. A little less to the outside...

 

...you are correct, I've been usding full-size GM rears from Impalas, Buicks, Olds,Pont., etc, they are 61-2 inches wide, fit great with 8 inch wide rims, they come in both 4&3/4 and 5inch bolt patterns so be sure to check on that. You have to cut /remove all the coil spring/trailing arm brackets, but these rears are usually cheap compared to Camaro/Firebird, etc.

 

I've got one from a '73 Chevelle under mine. If memory serves it is 62 inches wide.

 

Thanks for the replys. I think of the 3 rears I have the nova might be the best for my set up. The chevy ii is to narrow I had it under there last night and it just isn't going to cut it on the measurement of the backing plates, to narrow for the bed. Go figure to narrow now thats a first.

 

72 Nova rear ain't gonna work unless you have really offset rims, they are only 60 inches wide.