Thread: Check out my "rear" . . .

Tweet

So I inherited a 1955 Ford wagon from my farther-in-law over two years ago, it’s had some body work done and a re-paint, and a drive line transplant (not done by him or me). The drive line was changed to a “carbed” 302 with a C-6 tranny. The problem is I’m pretty sure the rear end is the stock one, possibly a 7.5” ?!?! Also, there is no “access cover” in the back of the pumpkin. Does anybody now what size the stock rear end could be in a 55’ Ford wagon ? I believe the original drive line was a 272 with a 3 on the tree. The rear end gear is very steep, and not so great for highway driving if you know what I mean ! I’m sure it would be best for me to yank the whole rear end out, and replace it with a 9”, but who has the best deals on a complete rear end ?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Mr. B

No rear cover, '55 Ford wagon, I think you already have a 9" that is a sought after width etc. Check a couple of pictures on the net of 9" Ford rears and I bet your's matches, if so you can change center sections (pumpkin) or replace ring and pinion.
Also, body style not mtr. dictated rear size.

I don't think the 9" showed up 'til '57.

As far as complete 9" units, here are 2 of the most respected builders...
http://www.currieenterprises.com/
http://www.moserengineering.com/

I am pretty sure that the 55 Ford Conv. I owned had a 9". I always thought it to be stock. I changed the pumpkin on two occasions, it was certainly a dropout. Mind you this was in 61/62 so it would seem odd that it would have been swapped.

If itis indeed a 9 inch it aint stock for anything before 57. It could be a 8 inch out of a maverick or granada.

to get the ratio, put the rear up on jacks, and take the wheels and drums off. Spin the drive shaft, and verify the axles rotate together. Make a mark for 'top' on the pinion and one of the axles. Start spinning the pinion with a helper watching the axle. Keep count of the turns until your helper tells you the axle has returned to its start mark ( exactly ) Compare numbers with your helper and do the math to reduce it to a ratio.

If it's a stock 57 it had a 9" from the factory.

I'm going to take a closer look this weekend at my local car cruise at cars with 9" rears. Maybe I can see a difference ?!?! If I get a chance, I'll post some pics of what I have under the wagon. (Both front and back.)

Talk back at ya in a bit . . .

Thanks again !