Yeah I checked the springs they are 130s. I had a time getting the right QA1's to replace the bent ones. They changed the product line since the time the originals were installed and their interchange lists sucks. The originals were DR5855B the replacements are DS501. Really the only difference is the originals had I think 8 settings and the new ones I think have 16.
Been digging into different rear axles checking for widths. You know how many internet web sites list different specs for the same axle? Seems hard to find two that agree even using the same reference point.
Anyway to keep the same 5x4.5 bolt pattern he has now ,you got to stay with a Ford or Mopar.
Go with GM the bolt pattern is all wrong, Unless you use adapters or change the axle shafts. The S10 axle is said to be 54.25 wide with a 5x4.75 bolt pattern, now you need spacers and bolt adapters.
The ranger axle in it now measures 58.50 wheel mounting to wheel mounting or 52.5 flange to flange. Thats very close to what I've read is the stock width of the original 53 Studebaker Champion rearend with the same wheel bolt pattern 5x4.5. Thats why someone chose the ranger rear axle - it fits physically width and bolt pattern.
The explorer rearend is 59.81 wide but by the time you narrow the drivers side to get a centered pumpkin you end up with 56.75, according the the Hot Rod /network article. Now the tires will set in about an inch but the wheels will bolt up. You get spacer plates and put in longer studs to get the wheels set back out. At least you only have to narrow one side.
With the Mustangs you gotta stay with 94 and up to get 5x4.5 bolt pattern but their 60 & 61 inches wide. Now you have to narrow both sides or the wheels tires are out an inch which might be ok.
On the Mopar side the F, J, or M body are 58.5 in an 8.25 flavor, thats Aspen, Volare, Diplomat or Mirada, yeah there are a lot of those around here.
I guest its just a matter of seeing how much wheel spacing room we got, picking from whats available around here in the bone yards, then picking the best of the bad and seeing what mods have to be done to get it to fit.
Cheers
Been digging into different rear axles checking for widths. You know how many internet web sites list different specs for the same axle? Seems hard to find two that agree even using the same reference point.
Anyway to keep the same 5x4.5 bolt pattern he has now ,you got to stay with a Ford or Mopar.
Go with GM the bolt pattern is all wrong, Unless you use adapters or change the axle shafts. The S10 axle is said to be 54.25 wide with a 5x4.75 bolt pattern, now you need spacers and bolt adapters.
The ranger axle in it now measures 58.50 wheel mounting to wheel mounting or 52.5 flange to flange. Thats very close to what I've read is the stock width of the original 53 Studebaker Champion rearend with the same wheel bolt pattern 5x4.5. Thats why someone chose the ranger rear axle - it fits physically width and bolt pattern.
The explorer rearend is 59.81 wide but by the time you narrow the drivers side to get a centered pumpkin you end up with 56.75, according the the Hot Rod /network article. Now the tires will set in about an inch but the wheels will bolt up. You get spacer plates and put in longer studs to get the wheels set back out. At least you only have to narrow one side.
With the Mustangs you gotta stay with 94 and up to get 5x4.5 bolt pattern but their 60 & 61 inches wide. Now you have to narrow both sides or the wheels tires are out an inch which might be ok.
On the Mopar side the F, J, or M body are 58.5 in an 8.25 flavor, thats Aspen, Volare, Diplomat or Mirada, yeah there are a lot of those around here.
I guest its just a matter of seeing how much wheel spacing room we got, picking from whats available around here in the bone yards, then picking the best of the bad and seeing what mods have to be done to get it to fit.
Cheers
Comment