The 46-48 Chevy sedan original rear axle always looked like it was about 1" too far forward (with the wheels on the ground). I am putting in an open drive rear axle, and am trying to work out where to position it so the wheel sits in the middle of the opening. I know I can put it in and then put the weight back on the wheels to see the final position, but I am sure this has been done before and I want to know the measurement used by others in relation to the original rear axle centreline. E.G. install the new rear 1'' (or 3/4" or whatever) behind from the original rear end position, with the wheels up off the floor. I am using the original leaf spring mounts, with reversed eye main leaf. Working with a rear end by yourself without a hoist , on the floor, ain't no fun, so I am trying to keep the manual gorilla work to a minimum.
The 1.5" back is pretty commonly used on late 30's and 40's Chevys. I simply pulled my spring pack and split it apart. Then drilled a new center hole in the main leaf, and reassembled the spring pack with existing leafs I had. Centered up my '39 perfectly.
prop up your rear springs with blocks of wood or jackstands near the center of eack spring with the weight of the car on them, position rearend to your liking, that's where it goes. measure from front spring eye to front of axle tube, make it the same both sides.
If you are using a reversed main that isn’t stock, the length might be different and someone else’s measurements might be wrong for you.
The Jalopy Journal
