VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Knee action shocks...

I was doing a search for finding a suitable donor for a rear end swap for my 47 Aerosedan and came across this site... https://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/Wheelbase,_track_width,_and_differential_measurements#Introduction
it has listed for 39-40 cars w/ knee action shocks. That is the same shocks as on 41-48's isn't it? And I wonder why it would even be mentioned. I would like to keep the shocks by cutting off the spring and shocks perches and welding them on to the donor rear end. Please don't hate me for bastardizing an original car.
Looks like you might have to copy and paste to see the site.

The rear shocks are the same from 1939-1948 EXCEPT for 1939 and 1940 Master 85 straight front axle cars wich had single acting rear shocks.

I am in the process of changing out the rear axle of a 48 Fleetmaster. I am putting in a S-10 3:08 rear end out of a 95 S-10 4x4 with drum brakes. From what I could find the 4x4 S-10 axle fits right in, you can also use a Nova rear end, I oped for the S-10 with 3:08 gears vs the 3:53 gears in Nova rear end. I am planning on using stock springs and shocks from the Fleetmaster. I did not remove the old perches, I was nervous about the pivoting function of the original perches required to allow flexing as the torque tube does not flex. I bought a new set of perches and intend to weld them to the S-10 axle once I have everything mounted and lined up.

I'm new to this process but that's my plan, (Axle is ready to go into car now, should be in by thanksgiving).

I have also replaced the torque tube on another 47 car with a 51 tube which had a automatic tyranny in it. Works great car now runs fine on highway without screaming.

Wayne

firecars,

That is an interesting conversion. How are you adapting the S-10 rear axle to the '48 transmission? I have read about other people wanting to make that adaptation but have never seen one.

It will be interesting to hear your assessment of how well the '48 engine handles the 3.08 rear axle. Most of these early Chevy 6 cylinders need that 3.55 Powerglide rear axle to have any acceleration. Anything lower really makes them pull hard.

Hi Rusty,

I really wanted the original motor in the 48, but I could find no bell housing to adapt an older bell housing bolt pattern to a new open drive train. I probably should have mentioned I'm switching the 216 with a 250 6 cylinder from a 1970 Nova. So I will end up with a 250 motor, 350 turbo trans and S-10 rear. With a little luck.

The 47 with the 355 Powerglide torque tube runs just fine. I have not had a situation where it was a problem. It allows me to travel on highways and attend shows a little further away.

Wayne

That makes more sense. The 250 six should be ok with the 3.08 rear ratio because of the torque multiplication through the converter in the Turbo 350.