Guys - I'm working on a friend's '52 Willys Aero to get back on the road. He told me a previous owner did a rear end swap and he thinks what's there now is an 8" Ford. Before I go to the parts store for new brake shoes & cylinders, I'd like to be sure. Also, can I pull the axle shafts as easily as my Dana rear ends? I'd like to grease up the bearings. This has 10 bolts, BTW. Thanks for your help!
The easy way to tell is the bottom 2 nuts can be accessed straight on. On a 9 inch the pinion covers them and you need a wrench to loosen them. Bearings are lubed by the axle, 4 bolts each side, loosen the nuts on the backside of the backing plates.
It sure looks like an 8 inch, but could be a 9 inch; they are very similar. This rear end has sealed ball bearings on the axle, no way to grease them.
that is an 8 inch. But that doesn't tell you what it's from, it could be anything from the early 60s to the late 70s or so?
Not that you asked but those big lowering blocks and lowered shock mounts don't look like they're doing the scrub line any favours. I hope the wheels have large enough diameter. Chris
That is a Mustang 8", probably late 60's depending on width. The necked down housing is the giveaway.
I agree Mustang. Measure the drum diameter and shoe width. Another dimension to narrow it down is the axle register for the drum. 2-3/8" up to 72, 2-3/4" 73 up.
Just as many stated, that is a 60s 8-inch most likely out of a Mustang. The necked down tubes give that away, plus the rear housing appearance. The center section is 8-inch as well.
The Jalopy Journal
