I was planning on using an 8" diff from a V-6 Pinto or Mustang II in my RPU, because, AFAIK, they were the shortest ever made by Ford. But I have a set of early 5x5-1/2" Ford wire wheels which, AFAIK, require the use of the "hat-style" early Ford drums. How can I make 'em fit? FWIW, I'm pretty sure the 28-spline 9"-diff axles will fit in the 8" rearend, so I may end up using a couple of shortened 9" axles (or, two "short-side axles" from a 1st-gen Bronco) with the proper bolt pattern......and then space out the axle-bearing shoulder with some machined collars so the early drums will align with the brake lining on the 8"-diff backing plates. Does that sound like a decent way to do it? BTW, the pre-war drums ARE available in 9-inch diameter, aren't they? The "truck" will be pretty light (especially in the back), so I'm not too worried about the extra load on the wheel bearing with the flange spaced farther away. But, it sounds like a lot of work. Any other suggestions? THANX. C'ya - RAY
Those MII 8" rears are NOT the typical bearing flange ends that 8" and small bearing 9" typically share.
Is a 9 inch flange big enough in diameter to re-drill to 5 on 5 1/2 stud pattern? I'm using an 8 inch from a '65 Mustang(5 on 4 1/2) with '40 rims on my '29 RPU.Not enough meat on the axle flanges to re-drill to 5 1/2 pcd so I had adaptors made at a local machine shop. I'm not a fan of spacers/adaptors but these saved me a lot of work. You could possibly have some made to go from 4 stud to the 5 stud early wire wheel?Hope this is of help, Mark
nope, early ford (40-48)drums are 12". you will have to use later drums,redrilled, and spacer rings to seat your wheels on. quite do-able
A way to the 12" brakes might be a set of Wilson Welding Lincoln backing plates. I used a set on a pal's car drilled and center holed specifically for an 8-3/4" Mopar rear. Didn't calculate for the A spring on top though and had to re-undex the mounting holes slightly to get the wheel cylinder and brake line to clear. Used '40 drums if I remember correctly. Charlie
Sooo......after an internet search, I've found that the Maverick/Comet 8-inch diffs are actually a little shorter than the Must II/Pinto diffs and the later versions are 5-lug. Perhaps that would be a better choice. THANX for all the replys. C'ya - RAY
I think Charlie Chops has your solution for the brakes. Wilson Welding makes their Licoln backing plates to fit a 9 inch rear. They say it is for Buick drums. I've always wondered why you couldn't use the 40 Ford drums then. I think Charlie answered that.. Clark
Okay........please pardon my ignorance - but, is 12 inches the smallest-diameter "hat-style drum" that'll accept the early Ford wires without using a spacer? I don't need 12" brakes on a 1700-2000lb roadster! C'ya - RAY
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