howdy All, I'm new to this social group after buying '56 Fairlane, I'm in the U.K. And the car is still in Nocal waiting to be shipped. I have a quick question about the rear axle, it was originally a V8 car and not sure if these came with a 19 or 28 spline axle as online info is inconsistent. It's going to get a healthy motor so need to know if a new rear end or just a mini spool is in my future, can any one help work out what the car would have in it?
I'm sure opinions will vary but if your putting in a pretty stout engine I'd recommend a 9 inch. Get one from a 57 and up(not sure of the cut off year)Ford p***enger car. They will bolt right in if memory serves me. Be sure to post some pics of your ride when you get it
Healthy engine and a 1949-56 rear end is not advised, Click on the "Sticky FAQ" post #2 & 3 deals with rear end swaps. As a new member here is a rule regarding the "Sticky FAQ" section it is for sharing information ONLY. DO NOT post questions there use the regular forum for that.
Thanks for the warm welcome folks, been a hamber for many years though a little quiet for a while. Yeah have spent a week or two in the FAQs already but couldn't nail the specs of the '56 rear. Dave from drop em & stop em did pm and with some strength info (cheers) which helped determine I do need to upgrade. So is the stock axle 57" wide wheel mounting flange to wheel mounting flange as that measurement isn't in the FAQ?
"The stocker is 57 1/4 from most of the old archives Post #9 by Retro Jim has a chart showing all the measurements of various rears. The 1957-59 9" rear is a good fit but there are disadvantages the brake drums are getting hard to find also they did not come with a locker aka posi and they have the weaker 28 spline axles so in a higher HP car they would need upgrades you may want to consider the Ford Explorer 8.8" these have the stronger 31 spline axles and most are 3:73 gears with the locker and disc brakes this shows how to narrow one Part 1 & Part 2 here in the states they can be found in U-Pull-It salvage yards around $200 here is more Tech info:http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Ford-8_8-axle.shtml
Once again thanks for the help guys, is there any reason why the original rear end can't be updated with 31 spline axles and centre rather than replacing the entire axle? Or was the a fundamental design update in '57 which makes the '56 so undesirable? Also, are the '56 axles the Old Big Web pattern meaning I could reuse the brakes I have on another axle housing of big web style?
You have stated that you are going to add big power, but you have not said what kind of driving you are going to do, drag race the car or what. As I said in an e mail conversation that I know someone that has an LS motor in a 54 ford with more than 400 HP and hasn't broken the rear end. He doesn't try to do burn outs or show off, he just drives it. I don't think anyone makes 31 splined axles or any heavy duty rear end parts for the mid 50s rear ends.
Thanks Dave, so I take from that that they are a different design hence why everyone replaces them with the 57 or later rear ends. What I wasn't sure if guys were saying they're weak cause they are 28 spline or the general design, now I know it's the general design, sorry if I was a bit slow on the uptake there and I was listening and appreciated your emails, just didn't want to bother as I know you've got a business to run. Thanks again
Some of the OG early 9" carriers used the WAR case, which I've read is not very strong. I replaced mine with a 9" limited slip ham that should be able to take what I give it, this is also a 28 spline.
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