Hey guys.. I'm swapping the 322 in my '56 special for a 401. I have a tranny adapter on the way for a 700r4. As you would know, I have to do away with the torque tube set-up so I'm going with a 10-bolt chevy rear. Has anyone swapped a rear and used a ladder bar to make up for the torque tube? Or what would be the best way to square the rear and keep everything solid? ANY help would be appreciated!!

Thanks!
Dan

I am having a similar problem on my '37, but my car has leaf springs were both ends are fixed to the frame with moveable shackles. These allow the springs to pivot on all four ends - not good without the torque tube. I am building a custom 2 link set up that will essentially replace the torque tube with 2 pivoting links that are anchored at the axle and at the frame near the transmission tail housing. Kind of one-half of a 4 link suspension if you will. It looks good on paper and I just hope that it works well too. Otherwise I will have to fix the front end of the springs to the frame so that they only pivot at the rear shackle.
In your case I would suggest a complete 4 link set up which would be more durable than most ladder bars that I am familiar with.

Dan,
No need to go to a Chevy 10-bolt! I had the same dilema when I installed a 401 & Super T-10 4-speed in my '55 Special. I went with the ladder bars and kept the '55 stock rear end. I've had this set-up about 3 years now and have been real happy with it and it's held up great.
-Bob

I swapped in suburban leaf springs (with a leaf removed)into my 53 super.You need to build mounts
for the leafs,I added 2in box in the rear to mount the back of the springs,its kind of like building a frame for a tubbed car but you leave tha stock frame.