'59 F-100 rear end rebuild question

Can anyone tell me what rear end typically came in the 1959 F-100? Mine needs a rebuild (leaks and vibrates) and I have not positively identified it.

Looking at the houseing, it appears to be an open diff Ford 9" (the weaker variety) with 3.73 gears as indicated by the aluminum tag attached to it. Looks to be original to the truck. Truck is a short bed, straight six 223, standard 3-speed on the column if that helps.

So once identified, where can I source a "rebuild kit" for this rear end?

 

If the gears come out the front as one unit then it is a 9 inch and yeah it will be the weaker casting but if you aren't racing it just fine to rebuild and go. Not sure of the best place for parts but I have had trouble getting the axle seals and the flange gaskets I have had to get from dennis carpenter.

 

Stock was 9" rearend on 57-60 1/2 ton trucks!

 

Yes, the whole mess unbolts from the front. Are there different 9" rears or do they all use the same bearings, seals, gaskets, etc...? If anyone has done this before, a punchlist of materials required would be nice if someone has one.

And no racing. Just a stock rebuild for general use. The 223cid is staying in the truck.

Who is Dennis Carpenter?

 

Thanks chaddilac. Do you know of any OKC area suppliers that might help me out?

 

Should be a stock 9" rear . If you get the measurements , it might be cheaper and better to go to a salvage yard and get a more modern Ford 9" rear . A lot come in a 3:50 posi . Here in Pa. we can get a complete drum to drum for about $350 . That way you will have a newer rear and the parts will be much easier to find ! With the old rear you will end up rebuilding everything and those parts aren't cheap either . Will be an easy swap too .
If you are just replacing the 3rd member a gasket and silicon will be it . Also check your axle bearing and replace the gaskets between the axle and backing plates . A little silicon will help there to so the gear oil doesn't leak on the brakes . When the 3rd member is out make sure you clean all that old gear oil out with a rag or something like that . This is the best time to get all that crap out . A good synthetic gear oil will be good too .
Just my opinion !

Retro Jim

 

Well, that does sound easy but I would rather keep the original if possible and just freshen it up (bearings, seals, etc...). Pretty sure it needs a pinion bearing and I was going to let someone else do the work. I am just trying to figure out what I need and source the proper materials.