I've worked on countless old Chevys with closed driveshaft. I read somewhere that the early to '54 closed driveshafts/rearends will drop out and a 55-57 rear end/springs is a direct bolt in. At 80 yrs old I don't want two bays of parts that do not interchange. Besides hearsay, is there anyone who has done this swap and can give me a qualified answer? I have a '51 Fleetline and a '54 Sedan Delivery, either would make a nice cruiser. Thanks for any "qualified" answers. Capn
The 5 6 7 rear will swap in with new locating hole drill to center rear property. Never ever have I heard about springs swapping over.
Yup use your stock leaf springs. Simply drill a new center bolt locating hole in the spring pad to move the rear end back 1 1/2 inch. Then it is a bolt in swap. Use the u bolts and lower shock mounting plate for a 55-57
They are a direct bolt in. The last one I installed a 1956 in a 1950 and only made one change. On the 55-57 spring perch you need to drill an additional hole as far forward on the perch as you can for-the spring bolt head to center the wheel in the fender opening. It needs to move back. I found the drive shaft shorter than I liked an bought an extended yoke that circle track guys use so I didn’t need to have a drive shaft made. This depends on your trans. Also the e brake worked fine if you’re keeping a 6 cylinder. There are some bellhousing options if your are using the 6 for a later transmission with an open tail shaft. I would not use a 55 as the outer bearings were a little different. Good luck.
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