shoebox rear end swap

I would like to replace a badly worn stock rear end on my 1950 Ford coupe. I understand that a lincoln versailles rear end fits perfectly and has disc brakes but I cannot locate an affordable donor. I do not need disc brakes (but wouldn't mind them); what are my options for a rear end that will have the correct dimensions and same bolt pattern?

Thanks.

 

I'm using an 8" out of a Granada. Spring perches are different but otherwise a pretty simple swap.
Curt

 

Merc monarch, linc versailles or a grenada work with the spring perch mods

T.

 

I also think most 8" will fit with little modifaction, check the post about a "possibale score".

 

The 8" rear out of an early '70's V-8 Maverick (5 lug pattern)fits very well. The spring perch locating holes are only about 1/4" off each side...nothing a die grinder cant fix!

 

chop 32 do they still cruz tenn. st. in vally jo

 

Disk brake rears are a pain and not worth the trouble. In my 53 I used a rear from a 80's Ford Ranger pickup. They are cheap and everywhere. They came with three different ratios and is stamped on a tag on one of the cover bolts. Had to change the spring perches, and take the rear yoke assembly from the Ranger driveshaft and weld it in the stock 53 shaft. But those are easy I done them in my garage.
I got the rear w/ driveshaft for 50 bux. A guy around here a Mav. rear I asked him how much and he says "$200.00 the model a guys buy these up".

 

Thanks to everyone. This is all great information.
Maybe I'll stay away from disc brakes. Is an 80's Ranger rear end the same axle width as stock? I suppose I will have to do some measuring.

 

On my 53 the Ranger was one inch shorter, half inch on each side. I don't remember if 49/51 are the same as 53/54 I thought so but not positive. But that is what I did just took a tape measure to some junkyards.

 

I don't mind if its slightly narrower than the original.

Thanks again! I'll take a look.

 

i believe the explorer rear is about identical to the ranger. . . early 90's ones i am about positive they are for the 4x4 ones, and thats a pretty stout rear as well

 

I'll check the Explorer too, then. But do all of these rear ends share the same bolt pattern? I was told that all fords after 1949 have the same 5 bolt lug pattern. Is that right?

Anyways, thanks to everyone for all the input. Let me know if you have more ideas. I'm going to try to make time to visit some junkyards this weekend.

 

i can tell you for a fact that the rear from a 92 explorer has the same bolt patern as a '54
when i scavenged the explorer i snaffled the aluminum wheels (be damned if the wreckin yard is gonna get those for $30) and figured if for nothing else, i now have a set of 4 matched wheels for setting up the car so, yep bolt pat. is the same

 

Jeeze, I have to go look over the one in the place I pick my parts from then, I could get the whole car for half that (dont know why I'd bother with the rest but)

 

something to think about with the above mentioned later model rears is the repair costs....an old 8" out of the 76 Maverick mentioned is the best as it will always be cheap to repair.........plus it fits with hardly any work,and prob has lower ratio too.........

 

I didn't think about repair costs. Thanks. But do all 70's Mavericks use the same rear end or are certain years better than others? 1976 only?

 

Thanks!

 

I just picked up a ford 8" out of a 73' Maverick for my 49' shoebox.

 

guys,when i built my 50 i used a blazer 4x4 rear end,changed over spring perchs.no biggie,its powered by 95 mark 8 four cam 32valve,great runner the trans is aod-e stock trans mount (modified) 23 mpg on trips..nero

 

That's good to know. Only problem for me is the chevy bolt pattern. I know I can probably find some stock steelies that would look just fine but I'm going to try to find a ford setup first. I was thinking of installing that same drivetrain, though. Fuel injection sounds interesting and my friend, who just sold his Mark VIII, says he was very impressed with it. How difficult was that to install? (sorry, off topic - I know).

 

How wide are these rearends compared to a stock 50 Ford?

I am assuming that the Maverick, Ranger, and Explorer rears are narrower...

Also, my buddy and I are looking for some steelies to replace his stockers. I know what vehicles to look for, my question is what backspacing should I be looking for? Also, what size tires can we fit under this car if it still has the stock rearend?

Thanks,
Brandon

 

If you do a Maverick rear just make sure it is out of a V8 car. The early 6 cyl cars were 4 lug. Mine went in my 49 without even modifying the spring pads. Worn shackles helped I'm sure. Only thing I did was bend new rear brake line. I was even able to swap mine without dropping the rear of the leafs. Did it all alone, just took some creativity. I was surprised how quick I got it done.

 

Dont forget the 65 and 66 mustang 8 inch works too and some guys take them out to put a 9 inch in. Some racer might have one laying around.

 

my bro stuffed 60 series in the rear tubs of his 51

 

FYI - my inlaws own a wrecking yard in north jersey. I'm sorry silverado that the shipping would probably kill the deal otherwise I would definiely hook you up.

we get a few good 8" and 9" rear axles here and here, tons of gm rears, and tons of late model rears such as explorers. If anyone ever needs anything PM me.

 

engine mounts,90 ford pick up rear tank,for f.i .mark vii computer,lots of wires,modified air intake,i used a crossflow rad,ford Ltd.lincoln a/c pump,p/s pump.electric fan,wish i could post some pictures,i got lots of them!rear axle is 272 ratio,aod e ford trans,

 

Do you know what size tires ( I know they are 60 series, but how wide) they were and what size wheels? Backspacing?

 

to be honest... no Effin clue.

i will however look this weekend and see what they are for ya tho