Thread: Just some opinions about rear ends, please.

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It may fit.
The usual rear end width for the Model A and similar is 56" outer drum to outer drum - or the equivalent for a disc braked rear axle.
The 57 Ford 57 1/2" wide rear axle works well as does the equivalent width 8"** Ford rear axle.

Reason I say, "may fit" is that I've seen charts listing the Versailles rear axle as 57 1/2" wide as well as 58 1/2" wide.

Wheels with the usual 2 7/8" - 3" backspacing and not more than 7" wide fit under the fenders just fine when the 57 1/2" width rear axle is used.


However, as far as the Versailles is concerned, make sure you get all the little bits and pieces that are supposed to come with it because neither Ford - or anyone else - carries the small one-off parts.

My opinion is, you're better off with a 9" other than the Versailles.
They can be a hassle.

In fact, drum brakes are an excellent way to go plus they have a built in emergency brake which can really cut down on the headaches of trying to set up an E-brake on a disc brake rear.


** The 8" rear axle runs the same axles as the 28 spline - most common - 9" rear axle does.

I'm running a 28 spline 9" in a 32 Ford roadster with an engine rated at over 510# torque, fat and soft tires and no problems in 42,000 miles.
My friend runs an 8" under his mildly built 327 SBC powered 29 Model A roadster, has a bit of a lead foot and has had no problems.
About five years running that car for him.