1937 Cadillac series 60 Raer End Swap

[jackworstell]

My friend has a very nice 1937 Cadillac series 60.    Of course on the interstate it doesn't do too well......engine RPMs too high.
Any chance he could "unbolt" the original rear end and bolt in a 3.36 rear end assembly from a 1941 thru 1948 Hydramatic  Cadillac ?

Jack Worstell     #7558

[Steve Passmore]

The 41 track is wider so the wheels would foul the fenders. Jim Stampler has investigated raising the rear end ratio on the 37s in great length for some years. The diff unit will fit with a minor modification but then neither of the drive shafts will so your back to square one.
A remote overdrive unit is a better bet.

[olds34dude]

I believe that S Passmore is in England , I don't know where you are, but if in the states, there is an easier and more economical approach.  Change the rear end, readily available , and I don't want to ruffle the purists, but there are any number of rears that will fit under the car, if you wish to stay "all Cadillac" I  suggest the rear from a '76-79 Seville, or a Nova, lots of ratios available from the 2:s through the 4:s.  My '37 uses a Ford Explorer, with disc brakes, but I have o/d and like the 3:73 gear, and it fits perfectly. I have another 37 60 series with a 70s Buick drum rear from a  Century, same as aCutlass, Chevelle etc.  of course you will have to change the driveshaft either way, but I am sure that this would be much more economical than the overdrive route, but neither option stock. Darnley

[Steve Passmore]

What the hell does it matter where I live???   Does that have some bearing on anything? 
I presume Jack was asking about the technical aspects of keeping the car stock while raising the ratio,  not sticking a fat wide track later axle under there and making it a Rod?.

[olds34dude]

Where you live would presumably have to do with availability,of parts,I didn't realize that  the 41- 48'was considered stock to a 37 and I think that the rear in my car is actually a bit narrower than stock, I was not speaking of making it a "rod", only an option to what he wanted to do. So sorry to offend you so. Of course you would also have to drill the drums for the wheels.  Dv