38 olds drive train

38 olds · February 1st, 2009, 09:34 PM

Hey everyone my name is dave and I am restoring a 38 4-door sedan olds. My question is. The flat head and trany are gone and I will be dropping a big block in it. If I need to replace the drive train what year olds would fit. Thanks for any help.

rocketraider · February 2nd, 2009, 05:57 AM

Julian Hilton has done the same thing with a 42, but I think he sat the body on a complete 69 Delta 88 frame. Take it this will be a cosmetic restoration on modern chassis?

You may have to narrow the rear axle, and I'd use a Ford 9" since it's commonly done on those units.

Clipping the front end for modern suspension might make setting a big-block easier.

Oldsguy · February 2nd, 2009, 06:55 AM

Two good ideas, I plan to transplant a 9 inch in my '46 this spring if things work out. You could do what I have done; 455 engine, TH400 transmission, custom cut driveshaft (from a donor car that had the transmission) with correct U-joint to fit original rear axle of car. I haven't driven the car a lot yet and not under full throttle so I don't know if the axle will hold up to the torque of the big block but it works.

edit: Welcome to our site and hope to see pictures and hear what you will do.

citcapp · February 2nd, 2009, 08:17 AM

Welcome to the site. The 9" narrowed ford rearend is a good choice, you can install a mustange front clip with rack and pinion steering without to much trouble. Thats what I have in My 48 Olds. Plus dice breaks all the way around.

38 olds · February 7th, 2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketraider

Julian Hilton has done the same thing with a 42, but I think he sat the body on a complete 69 Delta 88 frame. Take it this will be a cosmetic restoration on modern chassis?

You may have to narrow the rear axle, and I'd use a Ford 9" since it's commonly done on those units.

Clipping the front end for modern suspension might make setting a big-block easier.

38 olds · February 7th, 2009, 10:35 AM

Thanks for the info. My wife's uncle has a salvage yard and the delta 88 sounds like a good idea. Thanks Dave.

38 olds · February 7th, 2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldsguy

Two good ideas, I plan to transplant a 9 inch in my '46 this spring if things work out. You could do what I have done; 455 engine, TH400 transmission, custom cut driveshaft (from a donor car that had the transmission) with correct U-joint to fit original rear axle of car. I haven't driven the car a lot yet and not under full throttle so I don't know if the axle will hold up to the torque of the big block but it works.

edit: Welcome to our site and hope to see pictures and hear what you will do.

Thanks for the info. A doner car sounds like the way to go. Thanks Dave.

38 olds · February 7th, 2009, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by citcapp

Welcome to the site. The 9" narrowed ford rearend is a good choice, you can install a mustange front clip with rack and pinion steering without to much trouble. Thats what I have in My 48 Olds. Plus dice breaks all the way around.

Thanks for the info. Why is the ford rear end the most popular choice for this application? Would 'nt it be just as easy to find an olds that a person could get the motor,trany,drive shaft and axel to fit. Thanks, Dave

Olds64 · February 8th, 2009, 09:42 AM

Welcome to the website. We look forward to seeing pics.

Impin' · February 15th, 2009, 05:38 PM

Your project sounds great. Can't wait to see pics. I'm sure someone (one of the gurus) will tell you why the Ford 9" is the way to go.....I don't want to confuse you with my elementary understanding of rear ends.

Oldsguy · February 15th, 2009, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 38 olds

Thanks for the info. Why is the ford rear end the most popular choice for this application? Would 'nt it be just as easy to find an olds that a person could get the motor,trany,drive shaft and axel to fit. Thanks, Dave

I don't know if the ford rear end is the most popular. I just got one for free, in today's economy free is better than buying one

. If I could get a nice solid GM rear end I would do that.

37OldsCoupe · February 16th, 2009, 05:24 PM

I am doing a 37 and have two different rearends that I am debating on. One is from a 70 Nova and one is from a 75 Granada. I think I will be going with the Nova rear, as I think the other will be too narrow.

I think the Ford 9" is popular because of availibilty, strength, and looks(smooth on the back).

I hope to see some pictures of your 38.

Rick

February 1st, 2009, 09:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
38 olds Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 5	38 olds drive train Hey everyone my name is dave and I am restoring a 38 4-door sedan olds. My question is. The flat head and trany are gone and I will be dropping a big block in it. If I need to replace the drive train what year olds would fit. Thanks for any help.

February 2nd, 2009, 05:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
rocketraider Oldsdruid Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Danville Vajenya, the Last Capital of Dixie Posts: 1,214	Julian Hilton has done the same thing with a 42, but I think he sat the body on a complete 69 Delta 88 frame. Take it this will be a cosmetic restoration on modern chassis? You may have to narrow the rear axle, and I'd use a Ford 9" since it's commonly done on those units. Clipping the front end for modern suspension might make setting a big-block easier. __________________ I know absolutely nothing about Oldsmobiles. Just ask the owner of Oldspower.com

February 2nd, 2009, 06:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
Oldsguy Hot Rodder at heart Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 5,360	Two good ideas, I plan to transplant a 9 inch in my '46 this spring if things work out. You could do what I have done; 455 engine, TH400 transmission, custom cut driveshaft (from a donor car that had the transmission) with correct U-joint to fit original rear axle of car. I haven't driven the car a lot yet and not under full throttle so I don't know if the axle will hold up to the torque of the big block but it works. edit: Welcome to our site and hope to see pictures and hear what you will do. __________________ Dan '77 Cutlass Supreme '46 2 door "The rocket 455.....it's a sledgehammer approach to a thumbtack world" LuxBlue of HAMB.

February 2nd, 2009, 08:17 AM	#4 (permalink)
citcapp Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 3,445	Welcome to the site. The 9" narrowed ford rearend is a good choice, you can install a mustange front clip with rack and pinion steering without to much trouble. Thats what I have in My 48 Olds. Plus dice breaks all the way around. __________________ Pat 1957 Super 88 with a 455 1948 2dr series 76 with a 455

February 8th, 2009, 09:42 AM	#9 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 4,286	Welcome to the website. We look forward to seeing pics. __________________ Ferris, my father loves this car more than life itself... Apparently, you don't understand! Ferris, he never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper! Cameron Frye Ferris Bueller's Day Off 1986

February 7th, 2009, 10:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
38 olds Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 5	Thanks for the info. My wife's uncle has a salvage yard and the delta 88 sounds like a good idea. Thanks Dave.

February 15th, 2009, 05:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
Impin' Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 41	Your project sounds great. Can't wait to see pics. I'm sure someone (one of the gurus) will tell you why the Ford 9" is the way to go.....I don't want to confuse you with my elementary understanding of rear ends.

February 16th, 2009, 05:24 PM	#12 (permalink)
37OldsCoupe Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Minto, ND Posts: 6	I am doing a 37 and have two different rearends that I am debating on. One is from a 70 Nova and one is from a 75 Granada. I think I will be going with the Nova rear, as I think the other will be too narrow. I think the Ford 9" is popular because of availibilty, strength, and looks(smooth on the back). I hope to see some pictures of your 38. Rick

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