rear end hold up?

[mitch.oliver71]

dear Studebaker community,
I was wanting your opinion on a 1951 dana 27 rear end strength.
I will run about 250hp on my 51 champion and was wondering if you think the rear end will hold up?
also, anyone ever used a S-10 rear end in a 51 or later Studebaker? its the closest fit to the original 54" width.
thanks for your kind helping!

[Pancho]

I’m not sure about 51 but check to see if the diff housing is centered in the axle. I believe the s10 has an offset to it.

[mitch.oliver71]

ok, will do that! I think the 2wd s-10 rear-end is centered, the 4x4 probably not, but good point! did not consider that! thanks

ps: I just checked, driver side is 24.375 inch and passenger side is 24.50 inch! close enough I guess!

[Alan]

Mitch, 250 hp? At the flywheel or tires? You pumping 20 lbs of turbo into that 6? If you are not an animal on the start, the stock rear end would run trouble free for years. That rear is probably as strong as the S10, except at the axle outer ends. Watch out for big brakes. After swapping rears and leaving those stock front drums the rears will lock up first and that is a thrill ride.

[52-fan]

If your 51 rear end is stock, I believe you will find it is a Dana 23. The S-10 rear works well in a 51. That is what my 52 has. The only negative is the different bolt pattern.

[thunderations]

A common modification is the Ranger or Explorer rear end. Read that the 4 wheel drive rear , that is offset, can be cut down using another short axle and be the right width. Advantage is that the later ones have disc brakes and the bolt pattern is the same as Studebaker.

[mitch.oliver71]

great news! I have 11" brakes on the front! not blowing the 6L up, just using the engine in my garage that I had no place to go until now..... thanks so much for the advice!

[mitch.oliver71]

right, yeah, would definitely change the bolt pattern to 4.5 for sure! dana 27 is original if I'm not mistaking in a 51?????

[mitch.oliver71]

true! good point! thats a great idea! still, changing the bolt pattern in a s-10 rear-end is a 90$ job, shortening an axle and finding a second short explorer axle seams more involved.... but a great option for sure! well thought out, thanks!

[swvalcon]

My nephew does the shortened explorer axles and he picks them up at the junk yards with the extra axle for under $300. But said they are getting harder to find as all the hot rodder's like them. Nice thing is posi,and disc brakes ,and easy parts to buy. That's about as cheap as doing a brake job on the rear of a stude.

[RadioRoy]

Studebaker used Canadian GM engines in 65-66. If you put a small block Chevy in this car, you could get the 65-66 motor mount system and not have to weld in new motor mounts. That way, it could be changed back at a later date with no trace of the alteration.

[52-fan]

right, yeah, would definitely change the bolt pattern to 4.5 for sure! dana 27 is original if I'm not mistaking in a 51?????

I am using Wheel Vintique wheels with both the 4.5 and 4.75 patterns. Check the numbers on the diff case.

[mitch.oliver71]

I am using Wheel Vintique wheels with both the 4.5 and 4.75 patterns. Check the numbers on the diff case.

yeah, that works! like to use the original rims..... my machine shops gets it done for under a 100$ so I guess its well worth the re-pattern drilling

[mitch.oliver71]

Studebaker used Canadian GM engines in 65-66. If you put a small block Chevy in this car, you could get the 65-66 motor mount system and not have to weld in new motor mounts. That way, it could be changed back at a later date with no trace of the alteration.

great! on the ordering list!!!!

[t walgamuth]

A friend may have a 44 posi or non posi available if you are interested. Here in Lafayette In.