I hate to beat a dead horse, but I am not sure if anyone has had any experience with this rear-end. I have found a 1978 Lincoln Versailles for $700.00 and was wondering if this was worth the price and what mods I have to perform to get it to fit. I am planning to run a pretty stock 302/C4 combo in my 49 Ford. Thanks in advance Steve
the lincoln has posi and i think all are 280 ratio , check the site for sure , if it has been redone new seals and calipers rotors , other wise it is priced high http://50chevy.freeservers.com/Suspension_Widths.html
That Lincoln Versaille rear is WAAAAAAY over priced.Plus who wants a 2:75 gear. You will have to rebuild it anyway and that's only gonna hike the cost higher. Plus unless it has all the emergency brake parts, the brakes won't adjust and your front brakes will be doing all the stopping.. Plus replacement parts are getting harder top find. The disc brakes are nice, but by the time you get done rebuilding everything you could have done better. A Maverick 8 inch is a direct drop in (in 49-51 Fords) except for the spring pad locations.This was featured in HOW TO Articles in the car mags. Type 9 inch rear into your computer search box and you will be amazed about how much info is available.Again, A 2:75 Lincoln Versailes rear is worth $200-300 in my book and that's only if it has all the parts and is not worn out.I would not buy one. Check ebay too.
What 19fordy said they are kind of a pain. The last one I had gave less that $100 for it complete. I have a 53 Ford and put a 80's Ranger(small trucks) pickup rear in it. It is about 1 inch narrower than the stock one(which helps get the rear wheels off). They have(that I found) three different gear ratios, and the ratio is is stamped on a tag attached to a bolt in the rear cover. It is not a direct bolt in. I had the cut off the old spring pads and weld new ones on the bottom. And used the rear part of the Ranger driveshaft and cut the stock driveshaft to length, and welded the Ranger rear yoke/flange/ujoint to it. Done it all in my garage is a short amout of time. Around here I found one Maverick rear and they said $200 cause the Model A guys want them. The Ranger rear with driveshaft was $50, new spring pads $12, and a little work.
ALL th Disc rears I ever took out of a Versailles were 2.50 gear. It will bolt up on your stock leafs..... Brakes are costly to repair.-=I'd sell it -it will bring 3-500 dollars and get a Granada NON dis rear which is same fit and usually lower ratio
Thanks! you guys ROCK! I had the same feeling that it was overpriced, but I am having trouble finding a maverick rearend. I have heard of using the Ranger but way to much work for me. Not enough room in my one car garage and drive way is sloped. I will also try the Granada! Steve