Transmission swap in a 1957

[streetrodmuscle]

My original auto tranny in my Century 1957 died on me :3gears: , and I am considering swapping this for a more efficient TH700/4L60 from Chevrolet.
I understand I would need an adapter plate for the mating to the nailhead, but does anyone know what needs to be done to the drive shaft and rear end? This car has a closed drive shaft with the triangular bar rear end suspension bolted to the drive shaft housing!
Would it be necessary to replace the whole rear end, and make a new 4-link bar suspension? If so, anyone knows which rear end would be the same width and same wheel bolt patters so I can use the old original wheels?
What other problems are there?:Do No:
I am thanksful for any help with ideas and possible link to information on this.

Bo in The Netherlands

[telriv]

Bo, the easiest would be to find another Buick. A '63-'70 Riv. would do as well as '61-'65 full size cars as they also still use the X-Frame. Now you have all the rear end, brackets & locations. Same brakes, bolt pattern, etc. Another option would be to find a rear from a '61-'62 Full size can & remove the center (Pig) section. I believe the axles are the same spline. Now you need to fab up a 3 or 4 link to the original housing. Lots of work, good luck!!!!

[bam]

Bo, the easiest would be to find another Buick. A '63-'70 Riv. would do as well as '61-'65 full size cars as they also still use the X-Frame. Now you have all the rear end, brackets & locations. Same brakes, bolt pattern, etc. Another option would be to find a rear from a '61-'62 Full size can & remove the center (Pig) section. I believe the axles are the same spline. Now you need to fab up a 3 or 4 link to the original housing. Lots of work, good luck!!!!

Would this work in a '55 special as well?