What rearend in a 53 Ford?

I am finally getting back on my 53 Ford convertible project. It has Jamco rear springs with a 57 Ford nine inch rear in it now. The mounting pads on the rearend are out a bit too far, and will have to be relocated for this unit to work.
Anybody found a rearend later than 1956 that will bolt in a 53 Ford without any modifications? Does not have to be a Ford unit - if I find something that bolts in and can handle the 302 Ford motor, I will use the 57 nine inch on something else.

 

If the rear end is the correct width drum face to drum face just move the ****** mounting pads over. No big whoop!

 

I have a 9" in my '53 and that's what we did. Changing a tire is tight when you lower these but that's true of any rearend.

My '52 has a Maverick 8" rear in it and doesn't look to have been modified but it was in there when I got it so I can't say they didn't move the pads for that one too. Explorer 8.8" is also supposed to fit but again, pads gotta move either way.

 

A stock '56 Ford rear could handle a 312 Y-block, why couldn't it handle a 302?

 

Most leaf-spring Fords have spring-to-spring spacing that is pretty constant (about 43 inches if I haven't forgotten.....). '57-59 Ford rears are probably a pretty good start, as are Mustang and Maverick eight-inch rears. Later model Ranger pickups or the SUV derivatives of that ch***is have 8.8 rears that should work; many of them have the bonus of disc brakes.

 

I know I could move the spring pads, but just wanted to see if anyone had found a more modern rear that was a direct bolt it. With all the modified 1952 to 54 Fords around here, somebody must have the answer.

 

Heck, the factory rear will stand up to a 302 for a long long time unless you abuse it.

 

We put a sploder 8.8 in my brothers. His should have 350 hp or so and I know he will abuse it. No point in having power if you have to *****foot it. If you are running stock wheels, the hub bore on the sploder is larger than the 53.

 

Thanks for the info, guys!

 

Also true of the Maverick rear in mine. Had to hone out a bit of meat from the wheel centers with a barrel sander to get clearance.

 

I have a 8" Ford Mustang from a 1966 under the wagon and don't remember moving the spring pads. HRP

 

i have heard that maverick 8inch is a direct bolt in swap but they are getting hard to find.

 

My 52 Ford Sedan Delivery has a Maverick Rear Driven by a 392 Windsor SBF.

 

Move the pads !

4TTRUK

 

The early 9" brake parts are getting harder to find. Look for another set of wear items first. If you can't find your next set, then I'd consider another axle, or at least a newer 9".

 

Very nice car!