I have been lazy about updating but I have a couple things to report on. I decided to install rear disc brakes but had to give up on the idea when too many issues arouse. These disc brakes were from an older pre- 92 Camaro ones that are 10" and I would of needed to turn the axle flanges down in order for them to fit the rotors. That was pretty much the last straw plus the fact that I would of needed to purchase expensive calipers for it. The newer 11" brake are much better suited for this axle. Which by the way is a non clip rear axle. I noticed this after taking it apart to put the 3.42 gear in it.
The t-nuts that hold the backing plate on are a give away as to what type of rear end it is. It's funny that I never noticed this before. these are more desirable than a C-clip type which use regular bolts to hold the backing plates on.
Changing the gear was pretty easy on this one. I just reused the pinion shim from the 2.73 gear that it had. I set the back lash at .010. Factory gears from the same series carrier are usually pretty easy.
I had these 11" drum brakes left over from my 53. All new with about 500 miles on them. They'll work just fine.
I spent my money and bought new calipers for the front which I painted with red caliper paint. 21 bucks each was better than trying to clean up rusty ones.
I got all the brake lines ran. All I need now is a brake light switch.
I had to move my rear shackles back 1" so the strap on the back of them would clear the end of the frame.
My good buddy Randy turned these bushings for me. I just hole sawed though the frame and welded them in place.
After putting some weight on the rear axle I set the pinion at 3 degrees negative from the transmission and welded the spring pads in place to the axle.
I you look really hard you can see the sun though all the smoke from a huge out of control grass fire about 100 miles west of here. Several cattle got prematurely barbecued in this one which when last I heard had burned up 620 square miles in south central Kansas.
Took the block to the machine shop yesterday for a bore job.
thanks for looking!