I was installing my new seat belts in the 54 today and noticed the gear oil coming from the pinon seal. I slid under the car some more and wiped it off. When I took a hold of the drive shaft I saw the real issue. The pinon bearing is shot the drive shaft movers around a lot. I had heard this odd noise but now I know what it is. So I was planning doing some kind of rear swap again. The last 54 I put a 65 Mustang 8" in it. It was simple but I thinking something different this time. The main goal is to fix the issue but I also want to have a higher gear ratio currently 3.91. Now the questions what year Fords have the same rears as our 52-54? are the 49-51 the same? If so that will open up some possibilities. I've seen a few 3.31 centers listed for sale but most say Shoebox Ford they don't really give a year. My next thought is to swap in a 57-59 9" I've seen these for to but want to know how drop in they are. Do I have to change the spring pads? My third option is a Mustang II rear, I know its four lug but I know a few Mustang II tricks around that are easy and cheap fixs for that. So what have you guys done or are going to do?
You can interchange 1949 to 1956 center sections except Ranch wagons & Couriers.I have heard 8" Mavericks are a bolt in and a little narrower which will help with rear tire clearance,you only have to change the rear U-joint.
If the math is right I'd be able to drop 500rpms with just the 3.31 swap. I think I could live with that. When I swapped the 8" in my last 54 I had to change the spring pad. I'm trying to stay away from that. I was looking for a 57-59 9" because of the pads are the two inch wide ones. Does anyone know what ratios are in the 57-59 9" rears?
The 57-59 rears are a bolt in. Spring pads line up. I put a 57 rear in my 54 and all I had to do was spread the springs about a 1/2 inch. Nothing wrong with putting in a 65/66 Mustangs again. I believe that the 55 and 56 rears will fit in the 52-54 rears with the drop in center section. They are also the same length as the 52-54. Excluded are the Tbird and wagon rears which do not have a drop in center section.
Dunno about interchangeability, but the rear end in my Fordomatic '51 is a 3.31. I would guess that ratio probably continued in automatic cars '52-'54, at least.
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