Rearend

I bought this car and the rear end was already installed. I'm trying to find out what kind of rear end it is. Also, why would they weld the entire differential up? I know I can determine the ratio by turning the driveline while the trans. is in natural counting the number of rotations to one revolution of the tire but I still would like to know the make of the rear end. It does not appear to be a Ford. And why would they weld the pumpkin up? Attachment 74666

Isn't the front bolted around the "pumpkin", dropping the whole ring & pinion assembly out the front? That cap up top is interesting, as are the lifting lugs on the back cover.

Attachment 74672

Ford 9"?

Really hard tell, but could be a late 50's early 60s Pontiac or Oldsmobile rear end.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1957-58-59-...8984527?_ul=IL


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Here's some pics of 9" Ford housings. Note the rear of the housing is non removable and the 3rd member ( gears) comes out the front after pulling axles.
The "tabs" that were welded on could've been used during mock-up / building stages or someone had a set of fake wheelie bars.. For your viewing pleasure = https://duckduckgo.com/?q=9+ford+hou...ages&ia=images

A picture of the front would tell more about it.