rear end help

Need some help guys & gals. Trying to gather parts for my build-37Chevy pu, I was going to use a rear out of a 58 Chevy but after reading all the treads about how weak they are I am having second thoughts. I know where there is a 55 Buick rear, My question is are these rears the same or is the Buick a better choice.
Thanks in advance for the replies.

 

What are you planning to do? Race or just the street?

 

I might be mistaken, but doesnt a '55 Buick rear end use a torque tube instead of an open driveline??

 

'58 Chevy car or pickup?.................doesn't really matter too much which. As for it being too weak, depends on what horsepower/torque of the engine and how you intend to drive it. Milder motor/driving habits, it should do fine. The '55 Buick is torque tube (enclosed driveline) and not at all suitable for that reason. '49-up Olds or Pontiac would be usable as they are open drive. However, there are plenty of other GM axles that would work and of course, everybody's favorite, 9" Ford .

 

why are you using such an old rear are you going for a look or just have one
the problm with the early rear besides being on the weak side is parts availability
if you get stuck out on the road there are so many cheap rears out there unless you're going for a look I would go for something newer if you are going for a look
they do hold up to light abuse but I wouldn't get carried away

 

Thanks for the replies, The Buick rear that I looked at was not a closed drive so I am off on the year sorry about that. I am going for the look, I am using a 55 Chrysler 301 poly motor, 4 or 5 speed standard trans. I want to be able to take it to the track every once in awhile. I have three choices !. use the 58 Chevy car rear, 2. buy the Buick and ***orted parts for $100, 3. spend $500 on a 9 inch (every else uses one) or 8 3/4. I guess I am just looking for input.
Thanks again for the input.

 

Nothing wrong with using 58 chev diff for street use!

 

I think I will do the mock up with the 58 rear and see if something else comes along.

 

The one you have will be just fine.

 

Thanks for all the positive comments about using to 58 rear.

 

9" or 8-3/4"

 

My brother ran a 355 with a baby blower on his stock rear and never broke it, always on street tires.