1949 long bed

[steven49]

I have a 49 5 window long bed 8 lug that I want to convert to 5 or 6 lug the cheapest way posible. Does any one have a suggestion
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[solidaxel]

Have the same question with a customers truck.
What options are available IF we want to keep the 8 lug axle and drive shaft?

[bmnk]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Have the same question with a customers truck.
What options are available IF we want to keep the 8 lug axle and drive shaft?

I posted a similar question a week or so ago, and was pointed toward some good information. I ended up finding some additional information....

" One series of the famous “drop out” GM differentials was used between 1946 and 1972 on 3/4 and 1 tons. The complete assembly (often called a pumpkin) will interchange during these years with no alteration.

The highest gearing in this series is the 4.10 ratio and is found in most 1967-72 3/4 tons with automatic transmissions. Therefore, those “low gear blues” often associated with 3/4 and 1 tons during the late 1940’s and 1950’s can be greatly improved with no visible exterior changes. Originally these older trucks had a ratio of 4.57 in the 3/4 tons and 5.14 in the 1 tons.

Once a 4.10 pumpkin is located (usually in a local wrecking yard) it is a basic interchange requiring little more than new gaskets and gear grease. Your truck’s personality is now changed! "

I hope that helps.....I think I'm going that route, as I also wanted my 3/4 ton to keep the 8 lug axle.

[solidaxel]

Thanks Good Info

[mr48chev]

I've seen a couple of 3/4 ton AD trucks converted to 1/2 ton by swapping the front axle and springs for an AD truck front axle. Then swapping a 55,56,57 pickup axle under the rear if you want to stay with the six lugs.

For five lug you can use 53/54 Chevy car hubs and backing plates on the front and a rear end with a matching bolt pattern. I had a 61 Chev car rear end under the 48 with 15x7 rally wheels and it was a good fit but lots of brackets to cut off. Later I ran a 66 Impala 12 bolt that was a bit wide with the 14x8.5 rims and N-50 tires. That one also has a lot of brackets hanging off it that have to be cut off.

[reinmeister1951]

The 48 1 ton long box I just bought has disk brakes & 5 bolt hubs but I don't know what they used to do it.

Doug