Dr L-88

I need a measurement for the overall width of a stock 57 rear end, measured from the outer surface of the brake drum to the outer surface of the opposite drum face where the wheel would mount. I'm not asking anyone to take their wheels off and measure but IFFFFFFF someone is doing a restoration and has the body off the frame and could take this measurement, I would certainly appreciate it.

I would say I will dance at your next wedding....................but my dancin' shoes are worn out..............among other things.

Anyway................thanks in advance for anyone who can help me with this,

Rex

Todd H.

Rex, I'll do this, but I don't have time tonight. Hopefully tomorrow.

Todd

emccomas

The specified measurement is 60 inches.

I just happen to have a 57 rear end sitting on a dolly. The drums are off, but measuring from axle flange to axle flange is essentially the same thing.

Dr L-88

Thank you Ed. That is exactly what I needed.

Rex

bj1k

Maybe it's just the angle of the picture but I don't see the brackets for the upper and lower strut bars . Are you sure that is corvette ?

emccomas

Upper and lower strut bars did not appear until 1959 (I never can remember this year)..

1956 and 1957 passenger car axle housing are essentially the same as 1956 -1962 Corvette axle housings. The drain plug was added in 1957.

1956 pass to 1956 Corvette -> Relocate the spring pads and rotate the end flanges.

1957 Pass to 1957-1962 Corvette -> Relocate the spring pads, rotate the end flanges, and add strut and sway bar brackets as appropriate.

The pinion angle on Corvettes is different than passenger cars, so the spring mounting pads need to be relocated to make it a Corvette application, and the end flanges need to be rotated to change the positions of the brake shoes.

And for 1959 and up, you also need to add the strut brackets.

And we did not always modify / rotate the axle flanges.

I have helped convert many passenger car housings to Corvette applications over the years. I even helped convert a Corvette application to a passenger car application once. Long story.

DZAUTO

Strut bars were added in 59.
Rear sway bar was added in 60.

The 56 axle housing is a different animal from 57-62 (specifically the bearing end).

There is NOTHING about a 1977 axle housing that is shared with ANY 56-62 housing.

The flanges (where the backing plates bolt on) of the ends of 56-62 Corvette housings are welded on at a totally diffferent angle than they are on pass car axle housings.

Here is a 57 pass car axle housing and 60 Corvette axle housing. Notice the flange that is welded on the end of the axle tubes is in a completely different angle.

emccomas

My original thread edited above to correct some typos, and clarify some additional info.