truck rear ends

[Jawman]

I have a 1932 BB truck with a 4 cylinder model B engine, 4 speed B trans. and the stock rear end. I might be coming a cross a 1937 Ford 1 ton truck that has a 2 speed Eaton rear end. and I think it has the original 37 trans. sense the model B is so slow I was thinking about finding an AA or BB 2 speed rear end, but found the 37 stuff first. my questions are:

1. can I use the 37 rear end in my 1932 BB?

2. does any one have any history on the Eaton rear end? I have not seen this type of rear end before. I am used to seeing the pancake style rears, but this one has a normal pumpkin with a big view plate on the back, but it still has the sealed type drive line housing.

3. does anyone know the different gear ratios of the BB and 37? another words is it actually going to benefit me with a better gear ratio?

4. is there any difference that might make me put the 37 trans. in the BB?

5. sense the wheel bases on each truck might be different, can I run an open style drive line like the modern day drive lines?

thanks for any help and knowledge before hand.

[Rowdy]

I can not answer many of your questions, but if you want to run an open driveline I would consider the 42-47 pickup or truck transmission. Rod

[Rowdy]

Here is a pic, which I forgot to add to the post. Rod

[oldtin1]

1. I would have to measure the axles I have on hand (31aa, 33bb, 35bb) to confirm that the torque tube lengths are the same.

2. I know absolutely nothing about the eaton rear.

3. you can get the axle ratio off of the speedo gear housing on your torque tube as long as it is original. All three of my axles are 5:14 ratio, but I have also hear of 6:00 and 6:60.

4. I believe the transmissions are the same. cannot confirm 100% because I no longer have the 31 or 33 transmissions.

5. If the torque tube length is the same (back to answer #1) the wheelbase won't matter because the various wheelbases depend on the lenght of the intermediate shaft, between the trans and the torque tube.

6. Yeah I know...you didn't ask a sixth question....but the wheels from 29-34 large trucks won't fit over the full floater hubs that are used on 35 and up trucks.

[Richard (EV8G)]

1934 also had the full-floating rear...

[truckdog62563]

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Right. The early trucks had a 5 lug x 6 7/8" bolt pattern while the '34 and later had 5 x 8". Stu

[Jawman]

thanks for the wheel info. the 37 truck also has 18'' wheels and not 20'' wheels. so the 37 wheels will not fit on the 32bb, right?

[truckdog62563]

Correct.

[Jawman]

well, it does not sound easy to put the 37 rear end in the 32BB. is there an overdrive trans. that could be put in there like a brownie? Does anyone know where I can find a 2 speed rear end for a bb?

[freddys35]

Please give me a call 214-803-5895. Thanks Fred

[jimTN]

37 with 18 wheels????????? All 32 up 1 1/2 ton trucks I have seen are 20 wheels. I have a 34, 38 and 48 all with 20" wheels. The early Eatons had a manual shift instead of vac like the later. Believe the 37 and 32 both had same frame width and possibly the same band around the rear end on both sides where the springs attach that lets the housing rotate above the springs. Measure that and you will know what will interchange. If the truck is the same wheel base, torque tube and ds should be the same.

[Jawman]

the torque tube is not the same. I do think the frame is the same width on both of them. the Eaton does have a manual shift and not vacuum. can I switch torque tubes and drive shaft?