55 Chevy rear end

So I've been searching the boards and I've learned some things but still need to ask a question that I haven't seen specifically asked in this combination.

I know that you cannot put '55/`56 axles in a '57 housing.
And I know that you cannot put '57 axles in a '55/'56 housing.

My question is, can I put a `57 pumpkin/gear set in a `55 housing with `55 axles?
I've seen comments about cutting 1/8 inch off of the axles but want to confirm that this combination is compatible?

thanks

 

yes that can be done

 

I am no chevy man, but I think the pumpkin will fit into a 55 thru 64 chevy drop out rear end. I think their all basically the same. I have a good set of 4:86 gears if you want them.

 

Shouldn't be a problem...The third member "pumpkins" from 1955 to 1964 interchange on passenger cars and also Corvette "pumpkins" from 1955 to 1962 are the same...Actually, I never heard that the 55/56 axles were different from 57 axles

 

Its the 57 axle bearing and 57 housing around he bearing thats diffrent from 55/56.
I think the axle is actually the same,someone correct me if Im wrong.

 

I have messed with them and I think it is a bearing and a spacer that can be switched around for a fit. The housing is a bit different at the flange ends

 

I've got a complete '55 rear from my car that someone wants to buy...anybody know what they are worth?

 

Depends on gears

 

Out of a stock '55 that had a straight six with a three on the tree

 

4.10s? That would be perfect for what I need, but the shipping from Texas would probably be close to the price of the rear end!

 

Looks like 3.70s?

http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38505

 

The pumpkins will interchange..... However if you use 55 56 axles with a factory posi you need to shorten the axles 1/8 of an inch. 57 axles will also need shortened the same unless they are factory 57 posi axles. Axles are the weak area in these rearends also the spider gears in the open diff don't hold up to much abuse.

 

Agreed

 

I recently put a '55 pumpkin with 3.73s in my '55 150 that had a '57 rear end. Easy swap. Have a 3.42 posi rear end with disc brakes out of an S10 with perches set up for a '55 if any one is interested.

 

yes 55 t0 57 3rd members are all the same.....i have used them in 3 cars....some times if you change gear ratio or axel berrings you mite have to trim the end of the axels to install them.....i have backing plates and drums if you need them.....jim at jas.ingvigeant@cox.net

 

Friend of mine just bought an open diff. rear for his car complete for $200 with 3.73 gears from local supplier. That was exchange price, but it was only $25 more without his old rear.

 

^^good to know. I am shopping for one of these rears, nice to know they dont cost an arm and a leg.