I don't know what would be different with a C5 differential, but it you don't have or can't build a jig and a pass-through bar to put bearings on to align the ends for welding, you might consider having it done. Where are you in Alaska? I had my fabricated 9" housing narrowed by Jay Childs, he and his dad own a chassis/hot rod shop here in Anchorage off the Old Seward Highway. He built the '41 Willy's ProMod car, lime green, that was at the car show, he does excellent work.

 

Narrowin a C5 Rearend

Hi there 68NovaSS, Thanks for the reply. Great to hear from a local. The C5 is a '97 to '05 [?] Corvette independent rearend. Cat of a different kind, so to speak. Don't know Childs, but have heard good things of him. And, sure appreciate the info on a local guy that can do a solid housing rear end, the right way. This C5 is for a '34 Ford or '35 Chev. Haven't decided yet. Seen several in the magazines mentioned, but no details. They often miss the real technical meat of an article. There's a guy down in Florida that's been doing this since the C5s came out. Before it was the C4s ['84-'96 Corvettes]. Name is Mike Adams and used to run Mike Adams Rod Shop. Builds a tube chassis using all Corvette late style suspension parts. Really nice work, but runs about $35,000 plus! Saw another article just a tiny mention of somebody getting rid of the torque tube, enclosed driveline, but no real info. These C5s and the C6s have the transmission bolted onto the rear differential, so it makes a better balance front to rear, but is a complicated system. Still, it's a swap that's been done several times. Just wanted more in depth info on it. Know that you usually narrow the half shafts 3 inches on each side for these '34s. This rear end also uses control arms [A arms], much like a conventional front end. I've heard of them being shortened as well, but then the geometry and ride change a bunch. Keep in touch, dude.
rexdina@aol.com

 

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/tech/0604_rear_suspension_guide/photo_12.html

 

C5 rear suspension

Thanks a bunch, Imsport! Hoped there might be someone that had info on this swap. I've contacted 21st Century to see what they have available.
HRC