Small Block Chevy Conversion -Newbie

[GEEMAC]

Ford Ranger rear ends fit rather nice,same width, only change i had to make was to relocate the spring pads. mac

[studebakerkid]

A Ranger differential will not take the torque if he builds his engine a bit.

I have sheared one pinion shaft on a good launch and an axle shaft while driving down the freeway with pinkie. You need a nine inch differential as a miniumum. The nine inch differential I used came from a Mustang and is just an open differential. I solved the traction problem when dragraceing by selectively using sand bags in the trunk. MOre splines is better with nine inch differentials as memory serves me there are 27 spline and 31? mine are not 27s and the one I broke took some looking the last time I broke one. In anycase when you get the nine incher you will need to go through it. I had to have my bearing retainers specally machined becsue the ones supplies with new bearings kept coming loose at the most inopertune times.

You will also need to weld on spring perches but that is no big deal but getting the angle right is other wise you will keep snapping U joints.

[StudHawk60]

I have a 31 spline 9" Ford in my Hawk. It's clear to me now why racers like this rear end! I think the other spline count is 29??

[Dougie]

I finally got the car Sunday. I posted some pics on the general discussion forum. Here they are. I'm going to drive it like it is this summer while I figure out what to do, then start collecting the parts.

[studebakerkid]

That Lark is so clean I would just keep it and drive it that way and pick up another to do the transplant in. You can never have enough Studebakers.

[studebakerkid]

Pinkie had the same engine and trans but her block was frozen and someone had painted her with pink house paint and the front and back glass was broken and the upholstery and head liner were gone.