i'm pretty sure the rear end in my 54 has 4.10's in it, and its way too much for hiway driving. what gear ratios are available for these differentials? as a matter of fact, what differential is in these things? like if i went in to the parts house and said i need side bearings for a ****** differential....
If you have a 223 with a 3 speed you would have 3:90 gears,if you had a 223 with an Overdrive you would have 4:10's which wouldn't be a problem since it is overdrive.If the car is non overdrive you might look for one to swap in or look for a rear from a Ford-O-Matic car the other solution would be an early Mustang or Maverick 8" rear.
The pumpkin out of a 56 will fit if you use the 54 spider gears. The 56 auto ratio was 3:30 I think there are 3:54 55 pumkins out there too. The rear axle was about the same from 56 back to 49.
I swapped out my 4.11 for 3.31s. What a difference. My 3spd car could run highway speeds with ease. I think the center chunk came from a 50 with and auto in it.