58 Imperial Axle

[58Imp]

I would like to swap out my pressed fit axles on my 1958 Imperial and change back brakes to Discs. I know I can buy a rear Disc Brake kit however it will require the NON pressed fit Axles. Could anyone tell me from what vehicle I could use the Axles from to do this swap if at all possible?.

I am thinking later C Body Chrysler/Imperial Products posssibly mid 60's and up but not sure on lengths etc. Can anyone shed any light on this for me.

 

[bluefury361]

:sSig_greetingsthor:.............
It is customary that new members post pictures of their car, (s), here. We are a very visual group.

1965 and later axles used the non tapered hubs. You need to measure the distance between the leaf springs, (center to center) on you Imperial, (that info may be in your FSM), and then you can google the different length axles used in the 1965 through 1969 Cbody cars.

I swapped a 1968 Chrysler Newport 8 3/4 axle into my 61 Plymouth Fury and it was a direct change over. It was 5/8" wider at the mounts, about 1/4" per side. No problem absorbing that with the springs. If you have the drum hand brake on the rear of the trans you just retain that, or have the option of connecting the drum emergency brakes. All else fit right in.
I even ended up with the same gear ratio as the 61.

Will.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Quick someone put up that useless chart from moparts I'm sure it will be no help at all. Best bet is to measure and contact Moser have them make/cut a set and ship it to you on the other side of the planet. Chasing axels that may or may not fit from the other side of the planet sounds like a incredible waste of time, or best case leave the drum brakes on unless you are going road racing in a 58 Imp. the only real reason I can think of for needing disc out back, if the latter is the case we are going to need a lot of pictures and details. Good luck.

 

[58Imp]

Quick someone put up that useless chart from moparts I'm sure it will be no help at all. Best bet is to measure and contact Moser have them make/cut a set and ship it to you on the other side of the planet. Chasing axels that may or may not fit from the other side of the planet sounds like a incredible waste of time, or best case leave the drum brakes on unless you are going road racing in a 58 Imp. the only real reason I can think of for needing disc out back, if the latter is the case we are going to need a lot of pictures and details. Good luck.

The reason I am swapping to discs is a couple of months ago my drivers side axle sheared off near the bearing leaving me with a buckled drum, ground down backing plate and a blown out wheel cylinder. This happened on the highway at 90KPH and was very scary indeed. Luckily the rear quarter somehow landed on the rear wheel and I sustained no body damage. I thought this was a good time to upgrade to discs as the rear drums for these are alone $200 each. A rear disc brake setup would cost more but thought it would be a worthwhile upgrade as I already have front discs installed.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Damn I was hoping for the roadracing Imp, Broken and bent parts are a good reason too I guess. Others here are much more experienced with splined axels than me.

 

[KcImperial]

I've swapped out several rear axles in 58 Imperials. I've used 67-68 New Yorker rear ends. Their perches about 1/8 inch wider but still bolt in place just fine. If you have a smaller yoke, use Precision 347 combination u-joint.

 

[58Imp]

Only looking to replace axles not the whole rear end but thanks for the info. Found this link and might try it

http://hotrodsandhemis.com/PolaraRearBrakes/TaperedAxleBrakes.html