Hello all; Is a 58 edsel rearend worth rebuilding? Is it the same as modern 9 inch fords and is it big or little ford wheel bolt pattern? Thanks
Definitely worth rebuilding. This will be the early style smooth back housing, look great under early cars. As far as width and bolt pattern, there are two versions. The 'small' Edsels used a Ford style rear which will be about 58 inches wide and have the 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern. The 'big' Edsels got the Mercury style rear which is about 60 inches wide and will have a 5 on 5 bolt pattern. A tape measure is your friend.
Be aware that the small Edsel brakes are not the same as '57-'59 Ford. They use a different, and unique, brake drum which was, when my Plymouth was under construction, very hard to find. All the parts including drums may be available in reproduction now, but it would pay to check before you put money out for the rear.
Apparently all '58 Edsels, regardless of series, have a 5 on 5 bolt pattern. I always thought the Ranger/Pacer had 5 on 4.5" since they were based off of the Fairlane chassis, but that's not true. The Corsair and Citation rearend will most likely be wider.
The Edsel rear axle under my '48 Plymouth is 58" wide and has a 5 x 4.5 bolt pattern. I'm pretty sure it's a '58 or '59. Brake parts do not interchange with same year Ford. It's been a long time since the car was built so the details are a bit hazy. Sorry.
The 59 edsel rear end is the same as a 57-58-59-ford fairlane as far as width and bolt pattern. I narrowed the original rear end in my 58 and used the same backing plates just redrilled the drums to 5 x 4.5. The 58 ranger and pacer have a very wide rear end. I imagine the 58 citation and corsair are even wider as they are built on the mercury frame.
Check the options on the car too for the ratio. Mine is a freeway fly-er but not much round town. Its a 58 and its 5 x 5.
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