Technical How to Tell What Year Chevy Rearend

Does anyone know how to tell the years of the closed drive shaft Chevy Rearend. I bought a wire winder on an auction last weekend. It was made from a 35 Ford front axle and a Chevy closed drive shaft rearend. I really only wanted the wheels, but will be trying to salvage the rest of the usable pieces. The reaend was cut off at each end so the hsg and axles are junk. Driveshaft and gears are likely all that is salvagable from the rearend. Before I tear it down I would like to figure out what year it is. Thanks Rod

 

I'd wait until after you tear it down, then you can see the date stamped on the ring gear. Although the casting date on the center section might help, but might be missing the decade. Pictures can help narrow that down.

Not much demand for that stuff, though.

 

Will see what I can do for pic's. My camera does not like the cold. I know there is not much of a market for the stuff. But will likely take it to Chickasha this spring and see if it sells. Short on parts to take so it will atleast help to fill the trailer. Thanks Rod

 

Took these pic's before my trip to Chicago last week. Will likely start cutting things apart Friday afternoon. After turning the driveshaft and feeling for play, slippage and binding I am thinking the gears are junk. Is the driveshaft****embly worth saving? Glad the wheels look good so far. Thanks Rod

 

Not much demand for that closed driveline stuff. Looks like the wheels and "front" axle are Ford? are they 5 lug? (chevy was 6 lug) probably from the 30s, might be worth something if they're not Model A.

 

Yes, they are 5 lug Ford wheel, which is why I bought it. Front axle and spindles are 35, but they welded the spindles solid, so the axle and spindles are likely a loss. Hoping the drums are in fair shape. Rod

 

If you are able to drive out the king-pins, then zip cut the welds, you can likely salvage the axle. Spindles will be sacrificed. As you already know, '37 to '48 Ford car and 1/2 ton spindles and brakes are a "bolt-on".

 

I have 4 or 5 A front axles that need the same as they were welded up also. Winter cam a little to early for my liking and the shop is full to the point of being nearly unworkable so all of them will have to wait until spring. Rod