302 in a 54 customline question

ive searched the forums and came up with few results. im swapping a 302 into my 54 customline. the few topics ive read have kinda gone against each other in whether or not i can run the stock rear end against a sbf and have it stay in one piece. i do drive with kinda a heavy foot and would like to do the swap once. anyone have any advice?

 

Was it a 6 or 8 cylinder before and is the engine stock or a bigger cam installed ?
If it was a 8 cyl before and the 302 is stock I would leave it in but if you made some radical changes you should change the rear . If running a standard shift change it .
Just my 2 cents worth !

 

replace it with a rear end from a Granada/Monarch. Same width, pinion angle and leaf pads will locate perfectly.

I grenaded my stock 55 rear in 1 month with a 302. It was a V8 car originaly too.

 

i ended up finding a few good sites with interchanges on the width and lug pattern. thanks for the help guys.

 

what???? our answers aren't good enough????

 

I did a 68 Cougar Rear end in My 54 Ford Crestline.... it was fine..

 

i've got some mavericks and granada's in the pasture with good rears in them if interested.

 

hey, i may be able to shed some light on the subject. i have a 54 ford with a 302 in it. its a semi easy insatll depending on the trans you use. here we go. the engine mounts you want to use are from hotrod and custom supply. they will cost you 150.00. when you get them there is 2 ways to install the engine, 1st is more tward the front second is tward the back. you want to have it tward the back. next when you do the install if you go with headers you want to buy them from sanderson. the only issue you will have is the original starter does not fit. you will need to buy a mini starter. also the mini starter i used i had a few problems.....it was small enough but it dident pivot enough. what you will have to do is drill and tap a new mounting position for it to clear. if you use the original manifolds then there is no problems. next, if you want to change the radiator go with a late 60's mustang unit, they fit fine. now if you want to go with the automatic the kit gives you plans for the trans mount. i went with a toploader 4speed and it was a nightmare. my car was a original overdrive car and came with a 4:11 unit. i kept it and have no issues other then it winds out a bit on the highway but i like it. if you have any toher questions let me know.............................john

 

he's asking about rearends.....

 

my mistake, the stock rear will hold up just fine i have a habit of beating the crap out of mine and it gives me no trouble....but a mavric rear is too short if memory servs me. a granada rear is the correct lenght................john

 

maverick is a bolt in fit and not too short.i have put many in as well as granada's. mavs are 56.50 and granada's are 58 wide not much difference.aactually the maverick rear is better for rear tire removal and air ride.

 

And check out an Explorer 8.8 for fit too - easier to find these days, disc brakes possible.

 

he's absolutely right, the pinion will be off center but nothing drastic.good rearend.

 

Lincoln Versillies too.. discs on the rear.. o

 

forgot about those.i have 2 in the grass next to the mavericks and granadas.

 

I have the same combo in my 54 302/c4 and the stock rear end is fine so far, about 30,000 miles.

 

How much you askin for a rear??

 

i ended up finding a 65-66 mustang rear off a buddy. once i knew what i was looking for he had one all along.