Swapping rear end for 47 Ford Fordor

Im looking for a rear end for my 47 Ford Fordor. Anyone know what will bolt up? Or what the proper width of the rear end is? I saw a site that said the "rear tread" is 60in. Is that the correct size of the rear end?

Suggestions?

 

The only thing that's going to bolt up is a stock banjo rear.

 

Well, I'm pretty sure that my stock rear end will grenade shortly after my 351 starts screaming.

 

Put your rearend up on Jackstands remove the wheels. Use a plumb bob to mark the mounting face for each wheel on the ground. Measure between the marks and you will know the existing rear width. Armed with this information you can do some searches on your computer both on this site and others to find a suitable donor rear.

 

Nothing's going to "bolt in" anything in that 58-60 inch range with the right wheels will work but your going to have to weld on some spring perches and figure out how to handle the torque with the tube gone.

I ended up using the rear out of a 74 bronco with a parallel leaf rear suspension swap

 

Damn... I cant believe I'm that big of an idiot. I completely forgot about the torque tube. Damn brain needs some sleep.

 

Search some of the threads I started about a year ago on the same topics and you'll find some ideas

 

there are kits available to convert to open drive shaft and leaf springs; chassis engineering supplied me with everything for my '41.

 

Do you remember what you paid to convert to the open driveshaft and leafs? And you're saying to keep the factory rear end and just put leafs and an open driveshaft on it? Wont a motor with almost triple the HP easily 100 more ft/lbs tear the factory rear end up?

 

I don't think anyone is saying to keep it, we're just saying there's no easy swap. Either you spend some bucks on a kit or you spend some time fabricating and welding brackets.

 

I'e already decided to swap the rear and spend the bucks on a kit from CE. Like I said earlier, I don't know what I was thinking when I asked what will bolt in. I know nothing will really. So I play to spend some cash.

 

Even with a c/e kit you will need to set the pinion angle and weld on the spring perches.
I used the rear out of a 85 monte SSAnd run 235/75/15 tires withno problems.
Your wheel offset will make a difference.
n idea,the rear out of a ford explorer,will fit like a glove and you can get a limited slip in it and discbrakes,and small ford bolt pattern,right out of the junk yard. they are called an 8.8 rear end.
You will still need to move the spring pads.Remember to jump all over when you weld them on as you dont want to distort the axle tube from all the heat.
Let us know how it turns out
Russ

 

48ford, I'veseen people suggest the explorer rear end, and I know it is easy to locate,but do you what year Explorer I should look for? I always see people suggest them, but never suggest a year. Also, how wide is it? I'd like to use the stock rims if possible. The 47 Ford bolt pattern is 5x5.5 right?

 

I used a ten bolt Chevy rear end, Chassis Engineering leaf spring kit on my 46 ford..

 

using C.E. kit with a 68-76 nova rear its a bolt in , an early bronco will aslo fit but would need new perches welded on...broncos have same bolt pattern as early fords 5 on 5 1/2

 

I used rear springs and spring hangers off of an '80 Isuzu pickup to hang the rear end under my '38 Ford pickup. Rear end I used is a 10 bolt from a '74 Camaro. Didn't even have to move the spring perches. I think '41-'48 frames are a tad wider than the '35-'40 frames at the rear axle arch, but a 10 bolt Camaro or Nova rear should be about the right width. To keep the 5 on 5 1/2" bolt pattern and run your stock wheels, your best options would be the older Bronco rear or possibly a '57-'72 Ford pickup. Check the width on the '57-'72 pickup rear--I think it's wider than the Bronco rear but not as wide as '73 and later.

 

I used the CE kit and low ride spring in 46 with a 69 Mustang 9".
Everything is a bolt in except the spring perches. Do not try and save the old ones, there not expensive so buy new ones.
I have 8" wheels under my car but do not know the back spacing.
The explorer rears I believe are disc brakes. How far are you taking the swapping? One thing leads to another.

if you need any further help, PM me. I done all the work on my car at least three times.

Rear end Measurement link

 

You didn't mention anything about the transmission you are using-but I doubt you will be bolting your 351 up to the old flattie manual trans.
Like was posted above-a rear axle with 58-60 inch overall width(outside width) will work good in one of these cars on a pair of parallel leafs-you will likely need to run a C4,C6,FMX,AOD or some form of manual trans with that 351. Now your into a transmission mount,possible splitting the wishbone,opening up the "x" member,etc,etc.
Not really a "bolt in" swap-but with a little planning-a relatively easy project that has been done before.

 

Thanks for the info guys! Its a huge help! Asphalt, I'll be running an AOD trans. My engine/trans is coming from my friends 77 Ford LTD II. He drove that thing on the highway over 50miles a day. Ran like a champ. And it has some performance parts on the motor, so my little 47 will scoot. It won't be fast, but it will definitely scoot. hahaha

 

This is what I did on my 47. C.E. kit, nova 10 bolt. Get a drill, tape measure, hand tools and bolt it in.

 

Hey guys, I finally got back to working on this thing. I've recently located a 92 Explorer rear for dirt cheap. Its the 8.8 with rear drums, 31 spline. I was planning on using the C.E. kit like I've seen other people mention, but the Explorer tubes are 3.25in in diameter, the C.E. kit says its only good for up to 3in. Anyone run into this problem?

Also, the bolt pattern is only 5x4.5 so it was suggested that I have them redrilled for the 5x5.5. Is having them redrilled worth the time/money? Or should I just keep looking for a different rear. I need to get this settled out so any input would be appreciated.

 

i have an explorer rear, (disc brake) and i had it mocked up in my 46 convert chassis but didn't think it was wide enough..
I think It would have worked in my 40 ford..and if I ever do anything with another 40 it'll probably get the explorer rear I have..

 

What #12 said. The 2000 , 2wd Explorer 8.8" rear works, and comes with the "hat rotor" disc brakes. You can even connect the stock e-brake handle to the Explorer e-brakes.

To convert the Ford trans to open driveline, use ( I believe) the '47 Ford truck trans rear cover, which replaces the original rear trans mount.

Happy Roddin', 4TTRUK

 

I'm actually debating on doing a 4 link in the rear with air. Any suggestions on where to get the 4 link?