How to meassure a rear end? for a 50 Chevy

I'm trying to find a rear end to convert my 50 Chevy driveline. I keep hearing 60" is what I need, but do I meassure from the backs of each backing plate or to the outside of the hubs or what?

 

Easiest is a rear end from a 70's Camaro. I've heard of people using an S10 rear.

 

S-10 rear ends work best if your gonna bag the car cause it gives about an extra inch or so which can make a huge difference

 

outside to outside, where the wheels bolt on.

Backing plate to backing plate doesn't tell you squat.

 

moparsled is right you measure from wheel surface mount to wheel surface mount

 

I usually just go left cheeck to right cheeck. Not real scientific, but gives ball-park numbers.

 

60" is what the 70-81 Camaro rears measure...they work fine, but if you're running skirts, you might have to cut the inside lip a little. S10 4x4 rears work well and measure 58"...if I remember correctly.

Bryan

 

Here's a good list of rear axle dimensions...

http://www.50chevy.freeservers.com/Suspension_Widths.html#REAR