Hey guys, I just fell into a 301 12 Bolt Halibrand rear. I've been to the amazing "Quick Change Quick Change" thread but I'm not really clear what parts I need to round up to put this thing to use in a Street Roadster project ?? Also I think this thing is Magnesium is that possible ?? What year was this thing made ?? What gears was the ring and pinion ?? I'm guessing I need new side bells with 9" ends. I would like a posi. It has a 12 spline spool that won't work for me. I could use all the guidance you can spare. thnx in advance. NaCifan i
Contact Bruce https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/members/gearheadsqce.145496/ He has all the knowledge and gear to help you.
I'll relay what I did to get my 301 street worthy, that and a good search through the old threads should yield the info you need. First off, I scored a Diamond Trac differential that Quickchange Exchange originally sold, but have since discontinued. Winters might have something similar, but that's the diff you're after for a posi setup. I think there were some marketed as Gold Trac as well if memory serves. Next, you're going to need a set of adapters if you plan on running the smaller V8 Ford axle bells. Word of caution however, running these adapters requires machining of the diff, so nothing is plug and play. I had two sets of 31-spline 9-inh Ford-style axles made for mine, one with 5x5.5-inch bolt pattern for Early Ford wheels and drum brakes and a custom set made by Dutchman for Halibrand 6-pin knock-off hubs and Halibrand disc brakes. You'll need something similar unless it's going in a light car with a Flathead or similar, but if that's the case, why bother with the big 301?! I cut off the outer ends of the axle bells and welded on Big-Torino Ford bearing caps. That gives me the 9-inch Ford seals and bearing retainers, etc. Magnesium is indeed the material. Mine has a 37-tooth ring gear for a 4.11 ratio. Count yours, it's probably the same as most of the stuff for the 301 was sourced from the big Ford trucks of the time (pre-50s). Why reinvent the wheel? Ted Halibrand simply went out and found the beefiest parts readily available and incorporated them into his products. That why the 301s used big Ford internals as did his front knock-off hubs, etc. In summary, you basically have a center section, rear cover, ring and pinion, input shaft, and maybe some bearings that can be used on the street. Everything else needs to be sourced, fabricated, machined, etc. which is why it's not very common to see these being used.
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