Best rear for a gasser

I am looking for suggestions for the rear end choice for my project. It is a Studebaker pickup that will have a Cadillac 500 motor that was rebuilt with a lot of torque in mind. It will be done in a g***er style. I have a mopar 8 3/4 available that I may use. I'm wondering about whats available in the salvage yards. How about late model Ford or Dodge truck rears? I would like to keep a 5 x 4.5 bolt pattern. I'm not up on later models so any suggestions appreciated.

 

I would say 9 inch Ford due to the availability of everything for it.Older car diff though if you really want that 4.5 pattern.

 

first of all, the best thing you could do is walk away from the entire project. I would take it off your hands for you.

but seriously, that 8.75 Mopar is the ticket. It will handle the Caddy just fine. Parts are accessible at NAPA and you can certainly find a center section that suits your needs.

Plus it would be era-correct.

Yes, the Pontiac/Olds would be more stout and VERY era-correct, but it would take some $$$ to put one together.

PM me if I can be of further ***istance.

 

by the way, welcome from Jefferson. Now how about an introduction?

 

So none of the later 1/2 ton trucks have the 5 x 4.5. I did not know that. About settles that question I guess. I've been lurking on this site for a couple of years now. Most information I can get by searching as there is a weatlh of information here. I've pretty much been doing the 50/60's cars for the last 20 years but decided it was time for something different. So different is going to be a 39 Studebaker pickup done in the g***er style. I figured on using the mopar rear from the start but wanted to make sure there was not an obvious choice out there in late model. Jefferson is only about 20 miles from where I live. I go to the cruise night in neighboring Ft Atkinson a couple of times of year and of course the big Jefferson swaps are a can't miss.