VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Personalized Modifications 1946 Chevy 1/2 Ton Rear-end Swap

So after much deliberation, i have decided to replace my rear-end,torque Drive shaft, and 4 speed slider tranny for a S10 setup in my 1946 chevy 1/2 ton. I was going to just change my gears but then my tranny started grinding and popping out of 4th gear. From what i have learned i will need to use the items from a 1993 S10 or older because with later models the tranny is one piece, you can't change the bell housing. I need it to mount to my 235 engine. The drive shaft will have to be modified and my rear-end mounts will need to be welded on the S10 rear-end. I would like to ask if i'm on the right path of thinking and also what are my options going to be for a new master cylinder and braking system. Getting into the street rod area now but we have a lot of smart members who can help me i'm sure.

I know there are some pretty smart VCCA members who can help. Hopefully a few of them will respond.

The approach you are considering can be made to work. I expect that you will also need to modify the rear transmission mount and figure out speedometer drive gears to give a somewhat accurate reading with the '46 speedometer. You might need to modify the floor to accept the shifter and there might be some work to get the clutch working correctly.

I also suggest that you consider joining the Stovebolt forum. My limited experience with that group is that many of them are experienced in conversions such as the one you are proposing.

Please consider the overall safety impact of these changes. Based on what wheels and tires and rear axle ratio you select, you will have a vehicle with the capability for a much greater top speed than the rest of the chassis was designed to handle. Evaluate if the steering brakes and suspension will meet your performance requirements.

Think of it this way. How many times have you seen an upgraded powertrain in an '30's or '40's chassis that did not have brake, suspension, and steering upgrades or conversions? There is a reason that money was spent.

thanks so much for the info

so....not sure if anyone else is as wishy washy as I am on doing a rear end swap like i have been. I found out that it takes quite a bit of work and mods to do a rear end swap on my '46. Not being able to do most the work myself it's very complicated and expensive. I have now spent the money so it will happen and purchased the R&P from Mothertrucker and the bearing install kit to just change the gears. My wife just has to go work out to steer it lol

Yes, that was a pretty ambitious project you were proposing. I know it can be done but you really have to consider the total value of the end result. You have to think about upgrades like this with respect to the total chassis.

For example, the other day I helped some people load a '65 Olds 442 convertible as part of an estate liquidation. The new owner said that he was going to do a front disc brake conversion. When I asked if he was going to install a boosted split master cylinder and a proportioning valve he gave me "What do you mean?" look. After a few minutes of discussion he realized he needed to approach it as a total brake system.

I think you will be pleased with the 3.55 gear set. I had the opportunity to meet Joe about a month ago. Definitely a nice person and someone who knows these old Chevy trucks.

I am trying to talk my friend into doing the same conversion on his '49 3100. It would be a change we make after we get the truck on the road with the current rear axle.

Stephen you have just scratched the dust on conversions.
I have done several conversions (mostly for my own vehicles) and each 1 has opened a large can (and sometimes a 44 gallon drum) of deadly snakes that all want to bite you. Most you dont see until you are to far into the conversion to turn back. If you do them for someone else you really dont get paid very well for your effort or the customer has trouble paying for the time you work on it.
Tony