38 olds drive train
February 1st, 2009, 08:34 PM
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2009
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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, 04:57 AM
#2
Oldsdruid
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Southside Vajenya
Posts: 10,284
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.
February 2nd, 2009, 05:55 AM
#3
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Rural Waxahachie Texas
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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.
February 2nd, 2009, 07:17 AM
#4
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Location: Rathdrum, Idano
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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.
February 7th, 2009, 09:32 AM
#5
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 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.
February 7th, 2009, 09:43 AM
#7
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5
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.
February 7th, 2009, 09:53 AM
#8
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5
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
February 15th, 2009, 05:56 PM
#11
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Rural Waxahachie Texas
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. If I could get a nice solid GM rear end I would do that.
February 16th, 2009, 04:24 PM
#12
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Mosheim, TN
Posts: 153
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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