1952-59 Ford UPDATE .. 66 Mustang rearend for my 54. Will the brakes swap?

Was able to pick up a 66, 8 inch rear. My 54 has all new brake parts. I havent had a chance to measure anything, so was wondering if anyone has tried to swap backing plates etc to a mustang rear. I know the bolt pattern is correct on the axle ends but thought i would put this out to the group to see if any one has any info on this . thanks Jim

 

It may if both are 10" drums. You can always swap everything less the backing plates if the size is the same.

 

The swaps done in the past used the 52-54 backing plates and wheel cylinders the hardware kits and self adjuster kits are from the Mustang both the Mustang and 52-54 Fords use the same #151 10" X 1.75" brake shoes.

 

Yea they are 10x2 drums on the mustang rear and the ones that are an the 54 are the same i believe. I think i may only have to check the offset of the backing plates and then do a trial fit. HOPEFUllY !!

 

OOps maybe i meant 1.75 on the brakes. Havent pulled a drum off the car yet

 

Most Shops no longer have the specs on the 1952-54 Ford drums in some States they p***ed laws about turning the drums. A Member posted how to use the Mustang drums on a Ford rear end a while back but since you are swapping the whole rear that won't be a concern for you. But I would just swap in the Mustang rear and just change these out since they are dirt cheap. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...1332885,brake+&+wheel+hub,wheel+cylinder,1952

 

You will need this to. https://www.autozone.com/powertrain/u-joint/p/moog-premium-u-joint-430/207317_0_0

 

Thanks Jeff...Definately will make those changes..I will press the new bearings on the axles next week and then pull the 54 rear out. I will post a couple pics then...Jim

 

Did you have to swap the spring perches to make the mustang rear fit?

 

When I installed a Mustang rear end in my wagon, and my friends 54 Ford 2 door we had to move the purches inboard about an inch per side. I believe Mustang is 43 1/4" pin to pin. 54 Fords are 41 1/4" pin to pin. Or center of spring to center of spring.

 

Nearly finished with the Mustang rear end swap....What i found (maybe you all know this already) ...the 54 backing plates are not the same as the early mustang. The axle tubes are narrower at the ends which made it hard to find new spring perches to weld on. 2 1/4" tube vs the 3" on the 54 axle. The brake cylinders could be re-used as well as the brake shoes. Unfortunately, i think i will need to have the (new) driveshaft lengthened a bit. But it is almost done.