Is a 1956 Ford Thunderbird rearend the same as a 1955 P***enger car with a 272 ford-o-matic. Will it bolt right in, does it use the same leaf springs, etc.? I'm going to be putting in a 302 with a C4, but i want this rear to rebuild and have it ready so when i do the swap, it's done.
I don't think so,the 1955-56 T-Bird rear probably has a rear cover and is a Dana 44 also used in 1952-56 Ford station wagons and Couriers the spring pads are slightly thicker so the rear may make the car 1" higher in the rear other than that it should bolt in, the brakes are also larger than the 1955 car so if you use that rear I hope you have the brakes and matching drums. The rear ends used in 1949-56 cars have a drop out gear set like a 9" with no rear cover.
Based on the 1956 Ford shop manual, the brakes on sedans and Tbirds were the same at least in diameter. Not sure about the width..
Rock Auto lists two sizes for the rear in several brands 11.03 X 2.25 & 11 X 1.75 the wider would be nice to have,most sedans would have had the 11" X 1.75" so I guess get out Ye Olde measuring tape
If you are going to the trouble in replacing the rear, get a 57-58 rear. Basically a drop in. They are a 9 inch with a wide ***ortment of ratios being available. Another option would be a 65-66 mustang 8 inch. Same deal on installation. Not a large selection of gear ratios with the 56 Bird rear.
Stupid question: I have a '57 9" wagon housing set up for the big axle bearings that I want to use in my '55 Ford, '40 Ford or maybe hold it for a future Little 'Bird project, but no center chunk and axles. I do have the 3rd member from a '63 T-bird 9" reara nd axles (hell, it's the complete differential). Someone I know swears you can get new axles, but I haven't found any. Anyone know where to get them?
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