Register now to get rid of these ads!

1952-59 Ford Drive shaft w/ AOD and explorer rear end

Discussion in 'Off Topic Hot Rods & Customs' started by 56 tudor post, May 2, 2016.

  1. 56 tudor post
    Joined: Feb 9, 2016
    Posts: 48

    56 tudor post

    I installed an AOD transmission and an Explorer rear end into my '56 customline. When I removed the rear end from the Explorer I also took the driveshaft. As it turns out the Explorer drive shaft is about 4" too short. My driveline guy said to measure from the flat of the rear end yoke and push the******* yoke all the way in and measure to the center of the u-joint hole. I came up with 60".

    So my question is is there any existing drive shaft that comes in at about 58 1/2" centerline of******* yoke to flat of the rear end adapter?I have heard some have had success with the Crown Victoria drive shafts, but I am not sure how long they are. I have also heard to get a suburban drive shaft and have it cut down. and use adapter U-joints on it. My driveline place will build a steel drive shaft for $285. I am looking for a more affordable option

    any experience or knowledge on this situation would be greatly appreciated. I am almost done with the mechanics of this car and the drive shaft is almost all that's left.

    Thank you very much.
    Chris
     
  2. k5mog
    Joined: Aug 29, 2012
    Posts: 212

    k5mog
    Member

    I put an aluminum shaft out of a crown vic police car, perfect fit.
     
  3. 56 tudor post
    Joined: Feb 9, 2016
    Posts: 48

    56 tudor post

    What year Crown Vic?
    Did you use Fox body motor mounts? I was going to use the 77 F-150 mounts but they put the transmission too far back. So I used the Fox Body motor mounts and an old C4 transmission mount and everything fit without modification. If I can get a year I can go look at one from the junk yard.
     
  4. JeffB2
    Joined: Dec 18, 2006
    Posts: 9,665

    JeffB2
    Member
    from Phoenix,AZ

    The Crown Vic drive shaft from 1982-86, I have the '86 shaft in my '54 with AOD check the Pick-A-Parts.
     
  5. 56 tudor post
    Joined: Feb 9, 2016
    Posts: 48

    56 tudor post

    So I went to the junk yard today to look for a drive shaft. the measurements i had were 60". I found an Aerostar driveshaft that measured 58.5" mating face to center of u-joint. I thought that was too short. But I put it where I could find it if needed. I found a 1999 expedition drive shaft that measured 60" exactly. Removed it and took it home. fortunately it was about an inch too long.
    Back to the junk yard and I picked up the Aerostar aluminum drive shaft put the AOD yoke on and all is good.

    So the conclusion is: If you are using fox body motor mounts, and a 302 with an AOD and a C4 transmission mount. You can use the stock transmission crossmember in the stock position, and a 1993 Aerostar driveshaft.

    thank you everyone for all your help. I would be totally lost without you guys.

    Thanks
    Chris
     
    qicvick likes this.
  6. TexasHardcore
    Joined: May 30, 2003
    Posts: 5,608

    TexasHardcore
    Member
    from Austin-ish

    Good info. Did you use the Fox motor mounts flipped around so the motor is pushed forward?
     
  7. 56 tudor post
    Joined: Feb 9, 2016
    Posts: 48

    56 tudor post

    yes. i used the fox motor mounts so that the motor was forward. The '77 F150 mounts put the motor about 3/4 of an inch too far back to use the stock******* crossmember without modification. The motor sits much higher in the engine bay with the fox body mounts, but the AOD still fits in the tunnel fine.
     
  8. TexasHardcore
    Joined: May 30, 2003
    Posts: 5,608

    TexasHardcore
    Member
    from Austin-ish

    Nice. I just stabbed my engine and trans yesterday, using the Fox mounts flipped. I still need to massage the holes in the frame to get the mounts to sit flat and drill the holes in the crossmember. I feel like my trans mount is going to be too tall though. I have an AOD from a '92 Mustang 5.0 and I bought an Anchor #2784 mount that is for a Fairmont (Fox Body). What trans mount did you use, and did you have to do anything to the stock crossmember? I'll get to that after I have the engine in place, but it'd be nice to not have to do any extra work if I use the right parts. I have an Explorer 8.8" rear in storage that I may use, so I'm following your progress.
     
  9. JeffB2
    Joined: Dec 18, 2006
    Posts: 9,665

    JeffB2
    Member
    from Phoenix,AZ

    Last edited: May 5, 2016
  10. 56 tudor post
    Joined: Feb 9, 2016
    Posts: 48

    56 tudor post

    I used a mount from a late 60's mustang with a C4. I tried the fox body mount and it was way too tall. I think I asked for a '68 mustang with a 302 and automatic. I did have to drill holes in the crossmember for the mount studs. I slotted the holes for a little wiggle room forward and back.
     
  11. TexasHardcore
    Joined: May 30, 2003
    Posts: 5,608

    TexasHardcore
    Member
    from Austin-ish

    Thanks, just ordered the #2253 mount from Summit Racing along with some other last minute parts to wrap up the installation. My final parts purchase will be next week for the Hedman 88400 Headers and a new radiator and that should complete the swap. After that it's completing the exhaust and driveshaft, and it should be back on the road.
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.