The front seal has a leak and I can feel some slip. Thinking a straight swap would better/easier than a rebuild.

 

How about the 57-64 9.3 Olds/Pontiac rear end? 58 and newer even had posi. Might be hard to find, but you can get aftermarket parts for them now...

I was told they are a bolt-in replacement for my 53 88.

http://cruisinstyle.com/tech/100015/

 

If you are going to swap rear ends I suggest going with a Ford 9". I haven't done much research; however, I've always heard that the Ford 9" rear end is an excellent unit and aftermarket parts are plentiful.

If you swap to a rear end from another era of Oldsmobiles you will probably have to do a rebuild on it as well. Whatever you choose be prepared for fabricating brackets, swapping rear ends isn't a "bolt-in" procedure.

 

Hummmm, Well I will state my opinion anyway....F O R D in your Olds..... YUCK!

Should only be a Leaf spring setup? Correct? Very easy to swap many rears. When you get to 4 link eras then you have headaches.

We make 14 bolt GM 9.5 that we can make bolt right in same width etc. We just need you measurements. Wheel bolt pattern and what kind of brake you want to use. We go with the Impala 11" rear brakes as they are still able to be bought new at the parts store. or a 11" TRUCK BRAKE if you need the 5 on 5 bolt patten. These rears come in 3.23 3.42 3.73 4.10.
1500.00 - 2200.00

A more cost effective build is a 10 bolt 8.5 rear which again has been used in 1974-2013 1/2 Gm Gmc trucks also. If you are looking for a decent strength but more cruise rear. Again since it came in trucks all parts are very available and car had the same rear so gear choices are VERY WIDE range- 2.41-5.57 ratio and everything in between . 1000.00 - 1500.00

OR Yes you can go with the Ford 9" rear too. Just do not ask me, I do not do them - Just my pet Peeve

Jim
J D

 

I know what you mean. I just mentioned it because I've heard so much about the "fabled" Ford 9" rear end.

 

A rebuild would be a fraction of what it would cost to do a swap unless you are looking for a posi (doubtful if needed in a stockish 55). when you say you feel slip are you sure it's in the rear end and not in the transmission, not much slip can happen in there without big broken parts...Just my thoughts....Tedd

 

GM was almost formed from Ford and Oldsmobile
Ford valve springs are in many case the same as Olds.

They're not that far apart.

 

Tedd, I could not have said it better. Right on.

 

Why not just put a pinion seal in it if thats all thats wrong.

 

X2 the pinion seal is under $25.00 bucks through Fusick and probably cheaper other places. part # 19438. And by the way back in the 50's Old's and Pontiac rear ends were thought to be some of the strongest available at the time...Tedd

 

Thank you very much for all of the input. I was thinking of swapping because it's something I have experience in from when I was a mechanic. Although I'm not going for a racing set up it would be nice to have a little more punch. I never have rebuilt the pumpkin itself but do know it is a fairly precise task.

The does need a rebuild becase it is slipping. I topped the fluid in the pumpkin and after I felt a little bit more of a slip. When I rebuild the trans I want to rebuild or swap the rear so its all new.

John Watson

 

When they first built the famous 57 Chevy Project X back in the mid 60's, I believe they used a 57 Pontiac rear in it. I have no idea how the heck I remembered that other than I have been a car nut a long time. I probably have the magazine stored away somewhere.