Or you could use an 8 inch from a Maverick or an 8.8 from an earlier Ranger. Both 56 1/4" WMS to WMS and no narrowing necessary. Move the spring perches and you on your way. And I'm just guessing but parts are easier to come by for either as opposed to the Caddy?
I agree, they have always been known for quality work. Keith built the driveshaft for my race car in 1977 when he was still in his home shop in North Portland, many years later when he moved to their new shop near PDX they narrowed the 12 bolt for my 66 Suburban, twelve inches. A friend of mine had a ch***is shop and Dutchman built all his nine inch Ford axles, this was after Dutchman moved to Idaho.
I've used Dutchman's for a long time when they were just a couple miles from me here in NE Portland. The last one they did for me is the old Pontiac rear axle I have in my Austin g***er I had them narrow to 36" OA. Always great work, but I sure was sad when they moved to Meridian, Id.!
Reading this 14 year old Cadillac & Lasalle club thread, I'd say toss the Caddy rear in the s**** pile and find one that is the correct width. There is no rebuilding the third member and most likely replacement parts are as rare and more expensive than Rocking horse ****. https://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org/index.php?topic=111343.0 Sometimes these "cool ideas" or got it for free isn't the wise way to go.
Thank you. That's really good to know. I was going to swap the entire drivetrain from a 53 caddy. Guess I'll be looking at other alternatives. Can anyone tell me what the stock axle width is supposed to be for a 51 Ford wagon and the perch placement? Or should I start a new thread for this question? All I'm seeing is for the coupes and sedans. Not sure if the wagon is the same.
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