Well, I'm not sure, but the new style bodies (51-55) were originally going to have an Oldsmobile 303 V8 around 52 or 53 (to be renamed the Rapier 304 by Kaiser) until such time as the Kaiser V8 under development was ready, similar to what AMC Nash/Hudson did by sourcing Packard engines. Likely they used the contemporary Olds rear end so start there, and take lots of measurements. If a contemporary rear end fits with X mods in a Kaiser and an Olds, then what would you have to change to get a modern rear end in an old Olds? Kaiser already used GM Hydramatics. It all never happened for several reasons, but the cars were designed to use an old-style V8 so a later Olds and an automatic should fit without too many problems. Just take lots of measurements before cutting and save the parts for someone else. The "V" emblem was in anticipation of that. GM put the kibosh on that once they saw Kaiser test mules running around on the Detroit parkways near their offices with Olds V8 and Hydramatic and running much faster and handling and stopping better than Oldsmobiles with the identical power train. The 2nd series cars have excellent brakes (even if drums and not-power), are very aerodynamic, and well balanced as is compared to a lot of contemporary cars, so the question likely is whether you adapt the mounts to fit, or change out. Kaisers were quite 'modern' cars in 1951, and you can confirm that by sitting in a 51 Ford, Chev, Dodge, Rambler, and compare controls, and especially sightlines with a Kaiser. The difference is amazing. Actually, power brakes and power steering were very rare options on Kaisers, because they didn't really need them. Some 54-55 Supercharged cars had power steering, but only a handful of special ordered cars had power brakes. Several Popular Science and Mechanics Illustrated type road tests had them quite competitive even with modern cars--I remember one figure of 160 feet 60 to 0, under full control, which pointedly exceeds stats of several power disc brake with radials modern cars. Since I have 4 Studes as well as a Kaiser, I'd be the first to tell you that if it was a 50-54 Studebaker you had, SERIOUS attention to braking systems would have to be done, such as the upgrade to 60s size Stude finned drum and discs, or the almost drop in Turner disc brakes conversion using Mustang parts on the the original setup, or a sub frame with something else modern. There have been quite a few conversions done so wait for some more feedback. A thing to keep in mind is whether you want to get involved in a major swapping project, and lose zeal along the way. King pins are old tech, but they are solid and work well. If you have concerns (king pins? what r they??) just remember that any big truck place can rebuild them, and they will never break. If you get a chance, get a ride in a Kaiser before you start your project, just to see how well they ride and handle in stock form. Just my $0.02, spend accordingly.
