Looking to 4 link and bag the rear of a flattie driven 51 merc. I understand the stock rearend is kinda weak. Wondering if anyone can suggest a 8.8 that would work good as a daily freeway replacement. Whats the flange to flange width on the 51?? Thanks Rex
Don't know the flange measurement, but the wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface measurement of a 51 Merc is 61 1/4 inches. The 9 inch 71-73 Mustang rear (28 spline axle) is exactly the same, but you have to move the spring pads. Type the words "9 inch Ford" into your computer search box and tons of info will appear. ( By the way, the stock Merc rear is plenty strong for a flatty. It was used in pickup trucks too.)
The stock Merc. is a Dana 44 and not a bad piece for moderate HP combos , hell , I ran a 331 Hemi and a Cad/La Salle in front of one way back when and never broke it . I guess it depends on what kind of combo you are planning and I imagine some stock parts like brake parts and axles are getting tough to find for the stock 44 though. There are some pretty neat IRS setups in the later Ford SUVs and I believe they are 8.8s . --just a thought!
I don't remember the exact measurement but look at an 8" out of a comet or maverick, it's what I had in my '50 ford
I would look for a '70's Granada rear. They came with 8" and 9" rears. Mine is out of a late 70's Ford pick-up.
Exactly, where did you hear it was "weak" ? That flatty will die before the rear burbs. Keep what you got unless you swap out for an OHV - or something.
Rex, I know you want it on the floor, so, I went with 8" rear end out of '77 Mercury Monarch, but some of the Mustang, Torino 59"and 60" rears work really well, you need something around that size to fit those rear wheels up there.
I had to use 1/2 inch spacers with the Granada! I could use an inch! With skirts, it has to be near perfect!.........OLDBEET
Wow lots of love here! I'm acutually going to go with a mid 90s explorer axle. Its about an inch shy of the merc width and comes equiped with disks already. Not to mention they come in a range of gears with posi or non. The weak part was because I'm runny flatty now, but once I get the suspension up to par, Im dropping in a mild small block ford and wanted something a bit more reliable. Thanks, Rex
Not trying to hijack this thread....I've got a 51 Merc with a flatty and a stock rear end. It is geared to hell has no end, something like a 4:27 to 1. I'm still running the 3 speed with a non-functioning overdrive my rearend is fine, but since my drum brakes are fairly new, and the rearend fits with the skirts nice, anybody know where I might be able to get a 3: to 1 ring gear and pinion to fit my existing setup? thanks,
I have the exact setup you're talking about. I run a small block chevy with the original rearend and I've drivein this car all over the west coast and vegas. Reliable as all get out. Swap it out when it explodes and that may be a long while mind you. -stick
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