Hey All,

I have a 55 belvedere that i have decided to put a 360 magnum motor in. My question is about the old style 8 3/4. It has the axles with the threaded holes for mounting the rims.....instead of the typical studs. It also has the old style round universal joint in the center section. Can I simply change the axles to newer style units and change out the pumpkin with a standard u-joint style? Can i use any of the standard bearings with this older setup?

After asking all of that, is there a direct swap from a newer vehicle?

I know, lots of questions....any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Unfortunately, pre '57 rearends are obsolete.

I recommend swapping an 8 3/4" from a '65 and newer application.

What does your original rearend measure from drum to drum (overall width)?

The pre-'57 isn't an 8 3/4", it's an 8 1/4" and the 3rd member is attached with 11 nuts instead of 10 so they don't interchange.

Do like Doc says and swap in something newer.

Dr. Diff,

Thanks for the response....i am away from the Belvedere this week......I will measure drum to drum this weekend and also the perch centers...

Thanks.