rear end swap advice (2024)

Deals and Discounts

New listing for


DEALS
&
DISCOUNTS
rear end swap advice (1)


See what we've got so far
and feel free to post others you know about.


Searching the Site

Get details about how to search the entire Stovebolt site here.To do a search for just the forums, those details are here.
Who's Online Now
10 members (Hotrod Lincoln, delwrench, Chip O, Bill Hanlon, DoubleDingo, FAST55, 1 invisible),31guests, and 0robots.

Key:Admin,Global Mod,Mod

Forum Statistics

Forums64

Topics124,543

Posts1,014,333

Members47,630

Most Online1,229
Jan 21st, 2020

Step-by-step instructions for pictures in the forums

Previous Thread

Next Thread

Print Thread

rear end swap advice (5)

rear end swap advice

#1546826Mon May 13 2024 03:36 PM

Joined: Jun 2022

Posts: 7

I

IHPWRrear end swap advice (6)OP

'Bolter

I will be swapping out rear end 59 apache 3200 with ford 9 inch with 4 link system. what width will work without fender well modification and what is the widest/tallest tire size can fit within stock wells? I would like to find rear end that will work without have to modify axle tubes. Anyone have any experience with this route? Thanks.


rear end swap advice (7)

Re: rear end swap advice

IHPWR#1546829Mon May 13 2024 04:02 PM

Joined: Jan 2019

Posts: 1,861

Fibonachurear end swap advice (9)

Herder of Cats, Goats, and Sheep (moderator)

You need to take into account several pieces to answer that question.

The axle width (usually measured WMS-WMS) to see where the rims will be located.

The rim width/backspacing (to see where the inner and outer edge of the rim will be).

The tire width relative to the rim width (to see how much the tires will extend past the rims).

Are you planning to raise or lower the truck? If so, that will affect what tires can fit as well.

Do you know what kind/size of rims you want?

When I was picking an axle for my 58, I found the rims that I wanted, picked a tire the height I wanted that fit them, then worked backwards from there to the axle.

I have seen the axle from a 2004 Suburban put under a 59 with the stock (Suburban) rims/tires and that is just about the max outside width that will fit. I don't recall the measurements on that though.

With a little more information on your plans/goals, we can give you some better guidance.


From the Rocky Mountains?
Check in with the RM Bolters!
HiPo Forum Moderator

1958 Task Force Truck
"Frank" gets a new lease on life
Follow in the DITY Gallery
1959 3200 Task Force
The Ballad of Enkidu
The Saga in the DITY Gallery ~ and the story continues

rear end swap advice (10)

Re: rear end swap advice

Fibonachu#1546842Mon May 13 2024 05:46 PM

Joined: Mar 2021

Posts: 317

H

hcb3200rear end swap advice (11)

'Bolter

When I was picking an axle for my 58, I found the rims that I wanted, picked a tire the height I wanted that fit them, then worked backwards from there to the axle.

Originally Posted by Fibonachu

You need to take into account several pieces to answer that question.

The axle width (usually measured WMS-WMS) to see where the rims will be located.

The rim width/backspacing (to see where the inner and outer edge of the rim will be).

The tire width relative to the rim width (to see how much the tires will extend past the rims).

Are you planning to raise or lower the truck? If so, that will affect what tires can fit as well.

Do you know what kind/size of rims you want?

When I was picking an axle for my 58, I found the rims that I wanted, picked a tire the height I wanted that fit them, then worked backwards from there to the axle.

I have seen the axle from a 2004 Suburban put under a 59 with the stock (Suburban) rims/tires and that is just about the max outside width that will fit. I don't recall the measurements on that though.

With a little more information on your plans/goals, we can give you some better guidance.

all of the above starting with what look do you want aka rims and tires. then you will know your rim to hub spacing then you will know where your backing plates will be etc. then its get out the ruler.
example my 56 has a colorado rear end under it. not just any colorado rear end because even withing the same year there were 3 different widths.


rear end swap advice (12)

Re: rear end swap advice

IHPWR#1546847Mon May 13 2024 06:47 PM

Joined: Jun 2022

Posts: 7

I

IHPWRrear end swap advice (13)OP

'Bolter

Trying to help son resource parts. Great points, the truck will be lowered some, but not to the ground. He’ll need to pick some rims and look at width and backspacing. Thanks for the response.


rear end swap advice (14)

Re: rear end swap advice

IHPWR#1546858Mon May 13 2024 07:29 PM

Joined: Oct 2021

Posts: 4,055

O

Otto Skorzenyrear end swap advice (15)

'Bolter

Don't forget wheel offset - often more important than backspace. Basically it determines where the weight of the truck is carried relative to the wheel bearing. Incorrect offset can result in worn out bearings or broken spindles.


Last edited by Peggy M; Mon May 13 2024 07:50 PM. Reason: Remove quote

1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1956 Cadillac Sixty Special Fleetwood (The Godfather) | 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado (The Purple Knif) | 1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe | 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)

rear end swap advice (16)

Re: rear end swap advice

IHPWR#1546944Tue May 14 2024 05:33 AM

Joined: Jan 2019

Posts: 1,861

Fibonachurear end swap advice (18)

Herder of Cats, Goats, and Sheep (moderator)

As a starting point, the stock axle for your 3200 is 61.02" wide according to the vehicle information kit from the GM Heritage Center (https://www.gm.com/heritage/archive/vehicle-information-kits)

That is very close to a 67-73 Mustang/Ranchero. Not sure what other donors you are considering.

If you still have the stock axle installed, you can measure the clearance to the frame and the fender to see how much space you have for more tire width. The fender tapers a bit, so if you want to go to taller tires, make sure you take that extra height into consideration when measuring the width.


From the Rocky Mountains?
Check in with the RM Bolters!
HiPo Forum Moderator

1958 Task Force Truck
"Frank" gets a new lease on life
Follow in the DITY Gallery
1959 3200 Task Force
The Ballad of Enkidu
The Saga in the DITY Gallery ~ and the story continues

rear end swap advice (19)

Re: rear end swap advice

IHPWR#1547882Fri May 24 2024 06:31 PM

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 26,859

H

Hotrod Lincolnrear end swap advice (20)

Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)

Is there a specific reason for using a 4 link system, other than the brag factor of having one onboard? Major modifications of steering and/or suspension systems can have unintended (sometimes deadly) consequences in the event that an unexpected sharp turn, or maybe an S-curve is encountered at highway speed. Do plenty of homework and mock up your suspension system on a level shop floor with the frame tied down firmly at the desired ride height. That's how we built race car frames, and building a vehicle for use on public roads is far more safety-critical than offroad stuff. "Measure twice- - - -cut once!"
Jerry


"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!

rear end swap advice (21)

Re: rear end swap advice

IHPWR#1547891Fri May 24 2024 08:36 PM

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 8,692

B

bartamosrear end swap advice (22)

Sir Searchalot

"Measure twice- - - -cut once!"..............I cut my crossmember twice and it's still too short.


Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn

Moderated by Fibonachu, KCMongo


Link Copied to Clipboard

rear end swap advice (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Gregorio Kreiger

Last Updated:

Views: 6001

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gregorio Kreiger

Birthday: 1994-12-18

Address: 89212 Tracey Ramp, Sunside, MT 08453-0951

Phone: +9014805370218

Job: Customer Designer

Hobby: Mountain biking, Orienteering, Hiking, Sewing, Backpacking, Mushroom hunting, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.