Rear Swap

I want to swap the rear end out of the Rat Stang and go to a beefier locking unit.
Problem is what rear to look for?
As we all know the wrecking yards do not have the old cars anymore.
So I was thinking a truck or something to look for.
I am looking for a 3.55 or lower end, and I do not want to do a lot of modifing to make it fit like repositiong spring perches or shortening.
Any suggestions as to what to look for?

[addsig]

Does your's have a 7.5 or 8" in it now? An 8" can be beefed up quite abit. Are you looking for a 8" or 9" rearend? There is some early Broncos and also early 60s Falcon 8" that'll work. Ebay is also a good place to look. I picked up a 66 Stang 8" housing for $50.

It has the 8 inch in now.
I would prefer the 9 inch.
The cost of upgrading the 8 with aftermarket parts is highly cost prohibitive.
But buying a wrecking yard rear end and rebuilding it is a good alternative.
The drawback to modifing a rear to fit drives the cost up again to the aftermarket costs.
I would if possible like a drop in rear with minor mods I can do myself.
Clutched posi is also a drawback because of the horsepower that will be thrown threw it.
I really want a locking rear as opposed to a clutched one for that reason.
If there is say a truck rear with the correct width that would be ideal. The spring perches could be moved if I had to but would prefer not too. My equipment can not handle this type of work so I would farm that out.
But what rearend do I try to find?
Also I forgot to mention the older cars and trucks are just not available anymore in the yards...

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<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ixtlan on 12/28/05 6:02am ]</font>

I've seen locker units for the 8". That and a set of forged steel axles $300 will make it pretty tough. Unless you're doing over 400 honest HP with sticky drag tires, and I've seen 8" rearends take more then that for a long time, beef up the one you have. Only problem in gear selection is limited.

A bolt on 9" with little mods needed for your 1964 1/2-1966 would be either a 1957-1959 ranchero rear end or the 64 1/2 - 66 Mustang rear end itself. The ranchero rear end is the exact same width as the early mustang (perches and flanges), but has 3" axle housings to the drums (no taper like the mustang). Also, I believe they are big bearing. Good luck on finding a early mustang one for cheap.

Most 1957 to 1959 rears (9 inch) are small bearing type. Some Station Wagons have larger bearing. I have 4 of these in Street Rods and all are small bearing. In fact axles are same a 8 inch 1966 v-8 Mustang.

Much HP you plan on making? 8" has come along way in the last few years. And the one you have now fits. Remember Ford only used 31 spline on HiPo cars. 28 spline went into a lot of heavy wagons and sedans with 429/460s pushing them. Ford only used the 31 spline because metal tech wasn't anywhere near as good as it is now. 8" is lighter and you can always use the money to have the housing powder coated or chromed.

I have no problems with upgrading the 8.
I am just looking for a cheaper alternative with a locking rear as opposed to a clutched drive.


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<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ixtlan on 12/31/05 1:29am ]</font>

Hmm Did not know my Dad made this topic. Anyway Davis we are thinking
428 FWHP @ 6500 RPM,
362 FWTQ @ 5500 RPM.

393 RWHP @ 6500 RPM,
336 RWTQ @ 5500 RPM.

Richard

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<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ixtlan on 12/31/05 1:29am ]</font>

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On 2005-12-29 12:09, MNSJR wrote:
Most 1957 to 1959 rears (9 inch) are small bearing type. Some Station Wagons have larger bearing. I have 4 of these in Street Rods and all are small bearing. In fact axles are same a 8 inch 1966 v-8 Mustang.

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Got my 9" from a fifty something ranchero. It had big bearings, 27 Spline.