38 olds drive train
#1
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.
#2
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.
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.
#3
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.
edit: Welcome to our site and hope to see pictures and hear what you will do.
#4
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.
#5
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.
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.
#7
38 olds drive train
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.
edit: Welcome to our site and hope to see pictures and hear what you will do.
#8
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
#11
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.
#12
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
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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