I am building a 55 task force 3100. A friend has given me a 76 Nova parts car. Can I use the rear end and what about springs. What will fit. I need to lower about 3 inches to match the Fat Mans IFS I have ordered. I will be using a 350 SB and a 200R4 Trans.

I used a 76 Nova as a parts car in my 51 Ford. I had to move the spring perches, and I imagine that you will have to too.

I also used the front frame clip from the Nova. Just my opinion, but I have heard that the Fatman and some other crossmembers are not strong enough for a truck. They were made for the lighter street rods of the 30s and 40s.

I am sure that you will get other opinions on this subject....

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The 76 Nova rear can be made to work.........but with the 200R4 it will be geared too high in OD.......IMHO.

Monte Carlo SS cars came with the 200R4 and had gear ratios in the 3.42 and 3.73 range. It would be wise to try and do what GM did...in my opinion.

No Comments about the Chubby Guy.......




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i would cancel your order for the fatman clip and just use the nova ifs, it has a better roll center anyways

Wilman, I have a 8.5" 10 bolt which is likely the same rear end you are considering using. You can see many posts on this subject by searching for rear suspension upgrade.

yeah these cars were horrible highway geared, all of them, 2.56 and 2.73 and a few 3.08 if you are lucky it might be as deep as 3.08

someone gave you a 76 nova,, damn, i have been searcching for a 75-up nova for years wishing i could find one as a project even and theres othing, not a single one

that sux

:/

good luck

Probably too late for that as this thread is over 3 years old...................

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Damm 3 year old thread.
Anyway , I have a Fatman stage II front end in my 57 Chevy pickup , been there about 8 years , still works good except the bushings squeek.
Gene

yep , take a gander at the dates on these threads after performing a 'search'.


Wildman has not signed back onto the board since feb - 2004...... perhaps he found his answer some where else??

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