Duece and a half.
 

Well im looking to step up and play with the big boys. I found a duece and a half for what I think is a very good price. It is a early to mid 50's GMC M138? with a dump bed. It has a 302 straight 6, allison auto and a gear reduction box on the transfer case. It looks narrower than most. It has single rear wheel axles in it. The Axles are not top loader Rockwells. They have drop out third members. Are these Rockwells? Will they stay together? The only problem is I am told that it hasnt run in 40 years so moving it will probably be an issue. The front is on jack stands and the hubs turn freely so I at least know the front isnt seized up.

i'm pretty sure those are the GM axles? they rotate opposite of a regular axle, so they have to be used with the transfer case that is in the truck. they aren't nearly as strong as a rockwell, but i do believe they are stronger than a 60. the big downside to them is the rotation, and i don't think the low range is very much in the transfer case.

i'm only going to guess that truggy or carwash will know more about them for sure though. i'm going on years ago info here, a friend was looking at a set years ago.

with drop out 3rds I believe they are rockwells that are not top loaders. I need pics to verify

they are the backwards rotation though correct?

I will get some pics as soon as I can.

They probably are the goofy reverse style. Strong but may be hard to find replacement parts for.

By looking at them how could you tell??

webbing on the input side. They may have a tag on them still.

I will look when I get a chance. Probably Monday. Sounds like I probably want to stay away from this truck though.

Do you want to wheel the deuce. or do you just want the axels..

I just want the axles but I have to buy the whole truck.

Then I'd stay away from those

Exactly what I was thinking.

i have a set of rocks that might be for sale tony if yer interested...