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This week we have one of those "I didn't know that" Tips. We can file this one under the concept of learning something new everyday. In 1954 Chevy was working on going from the Torque Tube (enclosed driveshaft) concept to the more modern Open Driveline which was first introduced in 1955. For us 47-55 AD Owners, this was a very good thing because it gave us extra options. This was also about the time they went from the 4:11 gear ratio to the 3:90. This makes the 1954/55 AD more appealing because they can do 60 mph all day and then some. But what about us 47-53 owners? As you saw in last weeks Tip, we can change the gear ratio of the rear end. This does not get us away from the more antiquated Torque Tube however. Torque Tubes require far more maintenance than Open Driveline. They have bushings and seals that must be maintained not to mention they are harder to work on. Those are the downsides of owning that vintage of truck.
But, if you are interested in going to an Open Driveline, the 1955 - 1959 rear end bolts right in. There is a modification that must be made to the Leaf Springs to properly center the rear end on the center of the wheel well. It is a good time to have new leaf springs made up that have the center bolt actually in the center. That keeps you using Bendix brakes in the rear that do not overpower the front brakes and keeps everything nice and similar to what you are used to. Parts are readily available so the Rear End swap is really that simple. Even the parking brake cable works perfectly.
The Transmission, however, is another story. With the Torque Tube gone, you now have to mate the new rear end to the transmission with an Open Driveshaft. I find the 1962 vintage Suburban to have the perfect Driveshaft for cutting down to the proper length. So anyway, we have several options for Transmissions, but I am betting you didn't know that you could keep your old one? In 1954, an adapter was produced by GM to accommodate the use of the old Torque Tube style Transmission with the new Open Driveline. It was available on 3/4 ton trucks and is very rare. Finding one of these puppies is going to be the hard part, but the design seems very sound. The old transmissions were work horses and very seldom require repair, so this is something that if you can find one, it's not a bad choice.
Simply remove the lock pin and unbolt the center retaining bolt and this Adapter bolts right in place. Re-Install the Lock Pin and it's that simple! Now you are not looking for shifter parts, or cutting up your floor to accommodate the new shifter location, or any of that. These Adapters are hard to find, but sometimes it's nice to be armed with knowledge of simple solutions before getting out the checkbook! Special Thanks to Pre68Dave yet again! Seeya Next Week!