Hope everyone is enjoying the summer. I finally had my 53' sorted out enough to go on a big trip and I got her up to about 63 mph at about 3000 RPM. Long story short: I need a new rear. I know that the stock rear had a 3.09 offering that would be pretty good for me with my 351w and toploader three speed, but can't find any aftermarket gear sets. I emailed Jeff about it, and read some of HRP's old posts and it seems that the 1957-59 9" Fords will fit with no modification? Possibly a '71 to '77 Maverick rear? My main problem is I don't have access to a proper welder, and I'd rather try anything else before I go to one of the shops near where I live to have the mounts added. Do any of you guys know of a bolt-in rear?
You should grab this ASAP!! EZ bolt in. https://cnj.craigslist.org/pts/d/1955-ford-thunderbird-rear-end/6568969514.html
I’ll call him tomorrow from work. That’s only 40 mins from me. That axle seems ok for what I researched, says the Dana 44 was used for a long time. I wonder if parts are cheap and if my brakes would work out.
The Thunderbird rear has built in lowering blocks - this is how they lowered the tbirds without going to a different rear. It is a inch or two, don't know the exact measurement.
Depends on what size your brakes are some 53's had 11 x 1.75" shoes some were 10'' brakes if all your rear brakes and hardware are new you can probably swap backing plates and all to the T-Bird axle.
Paul, you brought up a good point. If it is much lower, it may not work for me. I already s****e coming out of the driveway. I'm researching parts for it today at work. I'm sure my coworkers are so happy that I have this hobby... I appreciate all the help and advice, too. I like these groups more that the rest of the HAMB, there are less blow-hards just typing out unhelpful things. I didn't grow up around car people. We always did our own maintenance, but nothing 'custom'. I grew up into wrestling and boxing. Now I'm older and trying to learn this hobby. Professionally, I am a finish carpenter and a healthcare worker. I have been slowly learning as I go, and I thank you guys for the help.
I called the guy and he said that the spring perches measure about 42 1/4 and the built-in blocks are only about 3/4 of an inch, so that would work for me. Looking for parts for these just in case. If it can handle a mild 351w I'd def. consider. I'd love to go measure my perches, but I'm stuck at work for another 11 hours.
If I remember correctly you can flip the blocks to raise the car kinda like the 4 X 4 guys do, 2" should solve the driveway issue.
https://cnj.craigslist.org/pts/d/early-ford-bronco-9-inch-rear/6571168941.html 58 inches....this just might be the one. Thoughts?
the Broncos used the 5 1/2 bolt pattern not the 4 1/2. The rear shown does not have any spring mounts
The axles can be drilled for your bolt pattern and new perches welded on. All at extra expense but the price seems decent enough to offset the extra.
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