Thanks! The guy I got the rear end from said it was a big bearing ( not sure what that means) I measured from axle to axle and I got 57 + inches ...it was hard to get an exact measurement because there were some loose bolts but from what I can tell so far it seems to be between 57.25 and 57.75 inches wide....now just need to figure out what gears I should be.running for my 49-53 merc motor with original tranny. Also have no idea where to get all the rebuild parts or a.good shop to have it rebuilt at.