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jimTN · 11-27-2014, 05:09 PM

It will work if you use a 37-40 torque tube and drive shaft with a middle bearing. You may have to get a drive shaft adapter as the 47 splines on your pinion may be different than the earlier shorter driveshafts. Spring hangers are in the right place just a different distance apart and I do not remember the difference. You can swap some springs around to get something that will work. I had a late columbia under a 40 and rolled the eyes on a spring to get one that worked out. The late rear end is something like 1 1/2" wider than the 37 and should not be a problem unless you are running fat 15" rubber. You can also rig a mount for the late sway bar and use it as the late rear end has a stud for the swaybar. Or as Ken suggests you can get Johnny to take the late housing and convert it to an early housing.
With either solution you should consider what gear you are going to use. Around hill country the 4:11 is fine. A 3:78 is a little tall for a stock engine when you shift her to high range.

11-27-2014, 05:09 PM	#3
jimTN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Powell, TN Posts: 2,509	Re: Columbia rear It will work if you use a 37-40 torque tube and drive shaft with a middle bearing. You may have to get a drive shaft adapter as the 47 splines on your pinion may be different than the earlier shorter driveshafts. Spring hangers are in the right place just a different distance apart and I do not remember the difference. You can swap some springs around to get something that will work. I had a late columbia under a 40 and rolled the eyes on a spring to get one that worked out. The late rear end is something like 1 1/2" wider than the 37 and should not be a problem unless you are running fat 15" rubber. You can also rig a mount for the late sway bar and use it as the late rear end has a stud for the swaybar. Or as Ken suggests you can get Johnny to take the late housing and convert it to an early housing. With either solution you should consider what gear you are going to use. Around hill country the 4:11 is fine. A 3:78 is a little tall for a stock engine when you shift her to high range.