1949 Chevy Axle - In Arrears

All the axles start off the same length; this heavy-duty chop saw is used to cut them to the exact length required.

Once the axles have been splined (none were being done the day we visited), machined for the bearing and retainer, and drilled, the wheel studs are pressed in.

As Currie Enterprises is located very near to our R&C offices, we were able to take the partially assembled axle over to Classic Performance Products (who were installing our trailing arm rear suspension), and tack-weld the mounting pads to the axle tubes with the correct pinion angle. Currie then fully welded the pads and placed the rearend in this huge press, which aligns the four bearings once again, in case the welding caused any warpage.

Once aligned, each completed axle casing is transferred to the assembly shop with a detailed list of requirements.

The breather, with a floating cap, was the first component to be fitted, a small but vital part!

This jig was used to ensure the axles were cut to the correct length before going any further with the build.

Once the axle length was deemed correct, the bearing retainers (arrow) were pressed into place. Note the retainer plate was fitted before the bearing.

This tool was used to drift the oil seals into place in the ends of the axle tubes...

...and here's the seal in place, with a little grease to aid assembly.

A thin bead of black RTV was run around the third member studs, then the gasket was installed before another bead of RTV was laid down.

The brand-new ABCS drum brakes were installed next. Currie even makes the T-bolts that secure these to the axle.

Before the brake backing plates were bolted in place, the axles were installed, with a little grease on the shaft, which will go through the oil seal, as well as on the bearing.

Now the brake backing plates could be bolted down. With all the parts in hand, the whole assembly process was quick, and needs to be with the number of rearends Currie builds daily.

No, he's not super-strong, the 3.55:1 gear equipped third member was lowered into place with a hoist, which was also used to move the finished axle from the jig to its delivery pallet. With the third member in place, it was torqued down.

Finally, the brand-new drums were installed before the entire axle assembly was loaded onto a pallet and placed in my pickup.

Painted satin black and ready to be installed in the '49 Chevy, here's the rearend still on its pallet, with all the suspension components from CPP.

Currie Enterprises, along with other aftermarket companies, was instrumental in securing the ABCS, which means these 11-inch drum brakes will fit their axles, as will some Ford disc brakes, plus those from Baer, Wilwood, and SSBC, all with no additional modifications.

This is a great concept should anyone wish to upgrade to disc brakes later on. The brakes are sourced directly from Ford, while the drums are manufactured by Currie Enterprises.