How wide is the rear axle on a 1947 Chevy truck?
The rear axle width depends on the model in the 1947 Chevrolet Advance-Design lineup. For the common 1/2-ton 3100 series, expect about 54 inches of track between the wheel hubs; the 3/4-ton 3600s are wider, around 60 inches; and the 1-ton 3800s typically run about 60–62 inches. Always verify with your specific chassis before sourcing parts.
Overview of the 1947 Chevrolet Advance-Design trucks
In 1947 Chevrolet introduced the Advance-Design era, offering light-duty pickups (3100), heavier-duty trucks (3600), and a larger 1-ton line (3800). All used a traditional live rear axle with leaf-spring suspension, but wheel track widths differed by model to accommodate payload and chassis design. The measurements below reflect common guidelines used by restorers and service manuals from the period.
Rear axle widths by model
The following figures describe typical rear track widths (distance between the centers of the rear wheel hubs). Variations can occur due to production tolerances, wheel offsets, drum hardware, or year-specific changes.
1/2-ton pickup (3100)
Typical rear track width is about 54 inches (approximately 1370 mm) across the wheel hubs.
- Rear track width (hub-to-hub): ≈ 54 in (1370 mm)
Note: Some early units or factory options might show small deviations of ±1–2 inches.
3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks (3600/3800)
Heavier-duty models generally have a wider rear axle. The usual range is roughly 60 inches for the 3600 and around 60–62 inches (1524–1575 mm) for the 3800.
- 3600 rear track width: ≈ 60 in (1524 mm)
- 3800 rear track width: ≈ 60–62 in (1524–1575 mm)
Again, exact figures can vary with wheel/drum combinations or year-specific production changes.
How to measure your rear axle
For accuracy, measure with the vehicle on a level surface. Use a tape measure to determine the distance between the centers of the rear wheel hubs, or between the wheel mounting surfaces on the axle housings, depending on your preferred reference. If you are swapping axles or wheels, also account for brake drum thickness and any wheel offsets that can alter the effective track width.
Why the width matters
Rear axle width affects wheel fitment, brake clearance, suspension geometry, and steering clearance. When restoring or modifying, match the axle width to the intended wheel and brake setup or plan a compatible combination.
Summary
In short, the rear axle width on a 1947 Chevy truck varies by model: about 54 inches for the 3100, roughly 60 inches for the 3600, and around 60–62 inches for the 3800. Verify against your particular vehicle by measuring or consulting the factory service manual to ensure correct parts compatibility.
How wide is the rear axle on a 1954 Chevy truck?
Standard width is 60″ Axle Flange to Axle Flange but custom widths are available.
How wide is a C10 rear end?
The width of a C10 rear end varies by year, with early models (1960-1970) being about 62 1/8 inches and later models (1970-1987) being 63 5/8 inches wide, measured between the wheel mounting surfaces. This measurement can also be 63.5 inches, which is also common.
- 1960–1970: Approximately 62 1/8 inches
- 1970–1987: Approximately 63 5/8 inches
Other factors that may affect the width include the specific vehicle model, options, and after-market modifications. For example, some aftermarket rear ends may have a width of 63.5 inches.
This video provides a detailed overview of a C10 rear end: 1mCurrie EnterprisesYouTube · Jul 27, 2021
Additional information
- The measurement is typically taken between the wheel mounting surfaces.
- Some aftermarket rear ends may have slightly different dimensions, such as 63.5 inches.
- Rear end widths can vary depending on the specific model and year of the C10.
- For accurate measurements, it is best to measure the rear end directly or consult the vehicle's specifications.
What is a 1949 Chevy truck worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $23,900 for a 1949 Chevrolet Series 3100 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1949 Chevrolet Series 3100 1/2 Ton at auction over the last three years was $143,000.
How to measure rear end width on a Chevy?
Place. All right so we're going to do that on both sides. And then the whole goal is Now that we can measure. From one side to the other we're going to use a tape measure.
