Rear differential swap

**waycoolgreen** · 07-10-2008, 07:42 PM

Hey Guys, I have a 53 Buick Special rear diff available from a car going to the scrappers .It has a st8 3speed standard.Here,s the big question.What ratio would it be? And would it go into my 40 Buick Super ? Hope someone knows as I think it leaves tomorrow.
Much appreciated.
Ray

**39CENT** · 07-10-2008, 10:19 PM

well yes the trans and diff are basically the same. should hook up to your 40 however it may take some switching of parts. the torq tube may be a different length. You may want those parts if yours is worn.

**waycoolgreen** · 07-11-2008, 05:25 AM

Thanks,Now I have to get it out fast.
Ray

**39CENT** · 07-11-2008, 11:07 PM

yep, if its free or real reasonable, get it and worry about what to do with it later. Lots of driveline parts from 55 on down interchange, some for 1956 also. 57 on up get a little farther away. If you want to have a automatic the 56 is the best that will fit so i,ve heard, 55 are good to. However if its a stick trans its a very dependable driveline, the trans can be rebuilt if its not toasted which would be a good idea. theres a lot of info here in this site but you will havto dig for it. also as I once was told by an oldtime wrecking yd owner, 'Buick doesnt interchang with very many other cars', so ya havto be creative.

**waycoolgreen** · 07-13-2008, 06:46 PM

Thanks for the advice.Well, I got it out and it's in my driveway.How do you remove the torque tube shaft from the diff spline?Is it pressed on?The banjo housing is quite different so I thought I would just swap the crown & pinion.Any hints.
thanks,Ray