Technical What rear is this?

What rear is this? Thanks.

 

probably 49-56 Ford car...

 

The pinion is real low.

 

It is in my 55, but know if its original or not. Trying to buy rear gears for it.

 

Well, that would explain why it's in there. Sure looks like the original rear end. I dont think anyone makes gears for them.

 

@squirrel is correct (as usual), that is a 49-56 Ford "Hotchkiss design" rear axle. Parts are no longer made for it. If you are just trying to change ratio, used ones out of automatic models may be your best bet. There are very limited ratios that were made. If your rear is broken or bad, I would look for a later assembly. An 8.8 Ford out of a Ranger or Explorer may work. An 8" out of an early Maverick is a bolt in with minor modifications.

 

Well crap… will a 9” fit? What cars/ trucks do I look for to get the rear out of? Thanks.

 

You will need something in the 57" WMS to WMS range. 57-59 Ford 9" is the same width, but good luck finding one. The 8" out of the Maverick is almost a bolt in. The spring pads have to be moved 3/4" on each side. Even your e-brake cables will work. A lot of gear choices too. The early 90s Ranger pick-up and late 90s Explorer is close to the same width, but the pinion is 2" off-center. GM intermediate cars in the 80s had a 10-bolt close to that width, research would be required.

 

Sure looks similar to a '50-'60s Olds Pontiac. Back side 100% with that perfectly round dented cover but the ribs on the pumpkin aren't familiar.

This is what another HAMB link says is a '49-'50 Ford.

 

Ford used Spicer rears in some wagons, and trucks and Tbirds in the 49-56 years.

The Ford built 49-56 rear is about 2/3 the size of an Olds/Pontiac rear, which you can't really tell from the pictures.

 

Does it have a 5 on 5" BC if it does, 57-64 Olds/Pont.

Pat

 

well -ONE thing can be told -one isn't a drop-out!

 

I was able to get bearings/seals etc from VanPelt for my 1949.
Ring and Pinion not available new.

Its kinda like an early version of a 8" but different.

3 speeds were 3.73 and 3 speed with OD were 4.10.

Bill

 

There was a 3.23 ratio available. Ford Australia carried that body style thru from 55 to 59 using grille and trim bits off Canadian models and the last year the automatic had a 3.23 rear. The Mainline (ute) had a 4.11 ratio but it was a different housing out of a Canadian Mercury. The 3.23 is very desirable out here and my son just swapped one into his 32 roadster instead of the 3.78.

 

What gears does it have in it and what are you looking for? I have one out of a 55 sitting beside my shop that I don’t need…

 

I have seen the ratio in that rear 3.31 and 3.22 (automatics) and 3.89 and 4.10 (manuals). A 3.08 was in a reference once but I have never seen one. As stated, bearings, crush washer, pinion seal and some bearings can be found. A good used center section would be the easiest fix. Adding to my previous rear axle list, the 2004ish Mustang 8.8 is also about that width with a centered pinion but will have disc brakes.

 

Looks like the one in my 54, mine has 3.54 gears. I recently replaced all the bearings and seals in mine. The ring gear is 8 in.

 

Square body Ranger Pickup 7.5 and 8.8 rears are 56-1/2" wide, are plentiful in yards, still have parts available, and have a half-dozen ratios to choose from, often with a clutch style limited slip differential.