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Technical Another rear axle question

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by w9186, May 26, 2014.

  1. w9186
    Joined: Nov 21, 2013
    Posts: 10

    w9186
    Member
    from Finland

    So, I thought I would use the rear axle too from the (engine and tranny) donor car (1986 LeSabre STW) for my 1948 Pontiac. Basically have everything fitting nicely but the axle is so wide that it leaves me with very few and limited options when it comes to rims and tires.
    The axle is a 10-bolt 8.5", just over 64" wide (flange to flange).
    So now I am looking for a narrower, say about 61" rear end that would fit the same drive shaft setup and have the same 5x5 bolt pattern.

    I think a 7,5" axle needs a longer drive shaft, right? What about u-joint dimensions, same for 7.5 and 8.5"? Could I re-drill an axle with 4.5" or 4,75" bolt circle to 5"?

    Being in the northernmost corner of Europe does not help when trying to source big&heavy parts either...
     
  2. oldsman41
    Joined: Jun 25, 2010
    Posts: 1,556

    oldsman41
    Member

    I will throw this out there. is there a good machine shop around might be able to narrow that rear to the width you need.
     
  3. I know these are Ford and the bolt pattern would need re-drilling but..HRP

    1971-1973 Mustang 61.25 inches

    1967-1973 Torino's, Ranchero's, Fairlane's
    61.25 inches
     
  4. A 1971 and newer chevy pickup [2 wheel drive] will have a 5 on 5" bolt pattern and a '71 0r '72 should be in the 60-62 inch range.
     
  5. Rusty O'Toole
    Joined: Sep 17, 2006
    Posts: 9,756

    Rusty O'Toole
    Member

    Have you considered IRS from a Jaguar, Mercedes, or BMW, something easier to find locally? Or an axle from a light truck?
     
  6. 1971BB427
    Joined: Mar 6, 2010
    Posts: 9,678

    1971BB427
    Member
    from Oregon

    Later S10 and small Blazers also used the 5x5" bolt pattern, so might look into axle widths on them.
     
  7. w9186
    Joined: Nov 21, 2013
    Posts: 10

    w9186
    Member
    from Finland

    Thanks for your input. I have now tracked down some rear ends that might suit my needs :)

    One that I have not been able to find the specs for is a 1988 Caddy Brougham, it should be a 10 bolt with 5 on 5 but is it a 7.5"? Have not been able to get any pics.
     
  8. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,317

    19Fordy
    Member

  9. Lobucrod
    Joined: Mar 22, 2006
    Posts: 4,121

    Lobucrod
    Alliance Vendor
    from Texas

    I have a buddy that just put a 80's Caddy Seville rear in his 49 Buick. Fit perfect and it has disc brakes and 5x5 bolt pattern. Its a 8.5 ten bolt so it should work for you. The worst thing you may have to do is replace the pinion yoke with the one you have.
     
  10. gimpyshotrods
    Joined: May 20, 2009
    Posts: 24,403

    gimpyshotrods
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    1982-2004 (The entire domestic model life) Chevy S10 pickups, the Blazer, and the GMC equivalents, were all 5-on-4-3/4".
     
  11. models916
    Joined: Apr 19, 2012
    Posts: 379

    models916
    Member

    Why not just get wheels made with an offset to the rear? Kind of like the newer Corvette wheels.
     

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