I have this idea in my head that I can swap the rear end in my 55 to something more modern , an im not absolutely positive if it will work so this may be lengthy any input is very much appreciated. I will start at the beginning. I would love to retain the dynaflow transmission,{ I still have the oem nailhead an a conversion kit that will accept any gm transmission is fairly expensive} an this is where it gets complicated.
1. I understand there is first the torque ball an u joint to deal with an that I would need a slip shaft to account for the rears movement . the oem ujoint assembly is bolted to the output shaft . I assume that by removing the tourqe ball an installing a hybrid u joint assembly with a slip yoke on the driveshaft side I could effectively account for the movement of the rear axle as the shaft lengthens an shortens as it moves up an down with the rear axel. what possible issues could I have here an is the tourqe ball the transmissions "rear seal" essentialy?
2. drive shaft , would have to be custom made similar to one from a 4x4 with a slip yoke at the front an matching rear as the rear end of choice. here the queston is would vibration be a serious issue on the transmission?
3. rear axel an suspension, clearly a 4 link an panhard install makes the most sence with coilover shocks , or possibly retaining my coils an adding shocks. (a) whats a good gear ratio to look for in that rear axel ? an the dynaflow is a 2 speed. (b) rear axle width ? recommendations or best donor axels?
any out side input or issues I have overlooked is very much appreciated before I start spending cash on something that may not work .
1. I understand there is first the torque ball an u joint to deal with an that I would need a slip shaft to account for the rears movement . the oem ujoint assembly is bolted to the output shaft . I assume that by removing the tourqe ball an installing a hybrid u joint assembly with a slip yoke on the driveshaft side I could effectively account for the movement of the rear axle as the shaft lengthens an shortens as it moves up an down with the rear axel. what possible issues could I have here an is the tourqe ball the transmissions "rear seal" essentialy?
2. drive shaft , would have to be custom made similar to one from a 4x4 with a slip yoke at the front an matching rear as the rear end of choice. here the queston is would vibration be a serious issue on the transmission?
3. rear axel an suspension, clearly a 4 link an panhard install makes the most sence with coilover shocks , or possibly retaining my coils an adding shocks. (a) whats a good gear ratio to look for in that rear axel ? an the dynaflow is a 2 speed. (b) rear axle width ? recommendations or best donor axels?
any out side input or issues I have overlooked is very much appreciated before I start spending cash on something that may not work .