It would be considered a tapered axle rear, meaning a puller is used to remove the drums. Meaning if you're not sure what shape it's in, a swap wouldn't hurt.
It is in good shape. We are trying to decide what to do about the yoke so we can use a modern driveshaft and u-joint.
Even though it really resembles an 8 3/4 it is not. It is a ChryCo coorporate axle that was used for decades behind a bunch of cars. The 8 3/4 did evolve from this design but will not interchange. It is considered an early 8 1/4. There were however a few years made that were tapered axle diffs and were still 8 3/4. I believe it was like 62 to some 63, full size and above platforms only. By the mid 60s they went to flanged designs that we all know of.
Sounds like a trans swap...best bet is to change the rear axle for a later unit. I have Mopar axle dimensions in my web site so you can compare to the stock unit. Additionally, the Ford 8.8 is very popular and quite durable. Pick-n-pull yards seem to have plenty of them. .
Additional info I should have provided. We have already installed a 400 and 904 trans. The rear end has also gotten all new brakes. This is my sons 53 Desoto Limo.
You might as well change the rear axle. What are you going to do for a handbrake? The limo has a completely different rear axle from the regular line. For a start it is nearly 4" wider (sedan 59 9/16, station wagon 58 9/32, LWB chassis 63"). It is also more "heavy duty" and takes a heavier wheel with a different bolt pattern ( 5X5" vs 5X4 1/2"). Chrysler Imperial used the same wheel bolt pattern and so did some big GM cars but the most likely place to find a suitable axle would be under a Chev or GMC pickup truck or van or full size station wagon or Suburban (same wheel bolt pattern).
Uhhh....yeah......that sounds more better......make that recommendation a Ford pickup rear axle....... Ray
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