Technical Merc diff a 32

What are the thoughts in using a 50 merc diff in a 32 with flathead and 5 spd. Haven't measured it as yet , but if we were to run it would it be better to use parallel or buggy spring? Or discard the idea and run a banjo diff with late axels? We are building a user friendly driver pickup.

 

Isn't the 50 Merc still a banjo? I'm sure the width is different. The spring hangers might be longer and mess up the wheel base also, not sure. The 32 rear crossmember and spring are specific to each other. The spring puts the rear axle forward of the crossmember.

 

48 was last year for banjo.

 

The '49-'51 Mercury rear ends are a Dana integral carrier design. The biggest problem could be the overall wide width which I'm pretty sure is over 61". The parallel spring pads are also wide spaced, so new transverse or parallel spring mounts would have to be added for either choice.
I'm running a '40 rear that was converted to slip-in 28 spline 9" axles/bearings, along with modern 10" Bendix brakes, and is a great way to upgrade a Ford banjo, IMO.

 

So are they Dana 44's like a 48-50's truck?

 

Yes, along with some '49-'56 station wagons, Couriers and sedan deliveries.