Hello everyone. I've been absent from the board for a while because I've been swamped at the shop. Thankfully I've secured some time to get back on my 53 Coupe. I pulled the motor back out to fix a head gasket issue, clean up the engine bay, etc and install a t5. I now have a question about a rear. I want a better gear ratio so I have a few options as to what rear I can run. I have two 9"s one is around 59" the other is about 55" and I have an 8" that is something like 52" or 53". These measurements were all backing plate to backing plate. With my car lowered in the back 5" or so, it is brutal to try and get the rear tires off. I figured with a narrower rear it would make my life much easier. What width rears are you guys running in your 52-54's? According to my calculations (and depending on which s10 t5 I use) if I run a 3.55 rear I should be between 2200-2500 at 70mph with 28.5" tires. I get about 18mpg on the highway with my non overdrive 3spd and 4.10s in the rear so I can't wait to see how much better this is. Sorry for the lengthy post but I like to try to give every possible bit of infor when I ask a question.
The narrower the better. These cars are terrible to change rear tires, especially when they are lowered. I had an Explorer rear narrowed for my '54 and it measures about 56" from mounting surface to mounting surface. This gives me about 3/4" more depth on each side. Be surprised what just that little will do. The 8" you have is going to be your best bet. Measure your stock axle and compare. If the 8" is not narrower, look for one from an early Maverick. I think they measure about 56 1/2" mounting surface to mounting surface.
The 56 1/2 Nite Owl mentions is a good bet. I have an 8.8 in my 55 sedan, and still have trouble with the right side tire removal. My 8.8 is out of a pre 1993 Ranger and measures 56 5/8 outside to outside. It came from a Super Cab 4X4, it has 3.73 and Traction Loc.
In the upper right corner click on "Search" put this in the search box "sticky" there is a wealth of info there including a chart Retro Jim posted that shows all the rear end widths and what cars they came in,your 8" sounds like early Mustang Maverick rear which is almost a bolt in for your '53 and will gain you about 2 1/2" the 3:55's should be ideal for you.
I have a '70 Maverick rear axle in the '54 Club Coupe. It's a "bolt in" affair. I am also using 1" lowering blocks but may change to 2" after the car is put together.
Excellent. thanks cor the info guys. I'll be pulling my rear shortly to compare. I still have to figure what this 8" is out of. I was told an early mustang but I'm not sure.
The 8" rear is the best rear for a good swap . They fit very well under most any of the 50's Ford up through the 69 or 70 Mustang . I have one from a 66 Mustang that I am saving for my 55 when that one goes up . You can get up to a 4.11 gear ratio very easily . Actually a gear around the 3.30 range would even be better . Will have plenty of get up and go plus will give you some good fuel mileage . The 3.55 will be really good too if you are using a performance engine . Actually a housing measurement of 50" to 52" is best to use . Use this link for rear sizes , http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html Just my opinion . Jim
Where am I measuring from to get my dimensions? Do I measure from each axle flange where the backing plate bolts on? I did my calculations with tire size and what gear I think he t5 has so i should be good with a 3.55 but I'm not going to rule out going down to a 3.30. I don't need this car to be fast. I have my hotrod for that.
I know there is a post with misc. rear ends and measurements. But that list doesnt seem to show what the 52-54,5,6 rear ends measure for width. I picked up a used 9inch rear end. I have no idea what it is out of. I measure it from housing end to end. So the plate with the four holes for mounting the brake backing plate. That measurement is around 53 inches. Does anyone know if this will work in my 54? Just wondering if its worth keeping, or selling it off. Any help is appreciated! Jason
If you want to retain your existing tires and rims you really need to take measurements of the spring pad location and measure to the outside of the drum and compare that to the donor rear end,usually most towns have places than can relocate the pads and narrow the rear and axles if needed.
I just need to get my car in the air so I can take some measurements and compare to the donor. I can relocate the springs pads easily. But when it comes to the axle tubes and axles......I would hire that out! I got the donor 9inch for free and it was already sandblasted. So if it works for me all I have to do is have it powdercoated and install it!
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