Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train switching to an open driveshaft on a 53 chevy

the torque tube axle has a pivot mount on the leaf, and the 55 axle i have wont be centered int he wheelwell if i just bolt it on, is there an offset spacer available? i was also going to try flipping the springs, back to front, to change the length from the front mount to axle. Any other ideas?

To locate the later model rearend, all you need to do is drill two new holes in the spring perches to relocate it where you want it.

ACTUNG! With a torque tube rear end you'll need to cut off the 'pivot' original attachment, or your rear end will flop over!. So after you cut the pivot ears off nice and neat just pick up a rear end mounting kit from any one of a zillion vendors or make your own. Either way you'll need to rotate the rear axle so it is at the same angle as your transmission.

The pinion shaft of the rear end should be same angle as output shaft of trans, or parallel to one another not one up and one angled down. When you locate the rear end on the springs you will have to adjust the mounting hole that indexes to the spring bolt so the axle will be centered in your fender opening. Piece of cake!

Oh, I forgot to mention this new kit is welded to the axle and should be done by an experienced welder. If not done correctly you will warp the axle housing.