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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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