40 ford coup rear end question

[steve fritz]

I am starting on a 40 Ford coup project and was thinking about what rear end to use. I will be swapping to a Ford 302 engine with C4 trans. What Ford 9 inch diff set up would be best for the 40 Ford frame? Or would the later Ford Mustang/Maverick/Falcon 8 inch be a better fit? I am not after super hi performance or drag racing etc, would just want what would fit best. I am going to use the Chassis Engineering kit for the leaf springs shocks etc, and they recommend about a 58 inch housing. I was thinking the 57-59 Fords 9 inch was about 57 3/4 inch if I remember correctly.
Would appreciate any input from anybody that has done this swap in the past with a 40 Ford coup.
Thanks,
Steve

[40cpe]

I have this exact combination in my '40 coupe. I used a '57-'59 nine inch with 2.79 gears, '57 springs on shop built hangers. I'm also running p253/15 rear tires. This combo lets you set the pace on the interstate if you desire. I get 19.5-20 mpg running 70.

I understand the eight inch rears are lighter and reduce the unsprung weight. If you are still searching for a rear, I would try to find an 8 inch. Besides being lighter, they are newer for parts sourcing.

[V8COOPMAN]

One of my cars is a '40 coupe with a '57 9" rear on CE springs. Fits nicely! DD

[HELENT]

I like the ford explorer work great in my 46 with 355 gear and a flathead the best way to go disc. Brakes too

[19Fordy]

The stock Ford rear is 59 1/2 in WMS to WMS. The 1976 ford Maverick rear is s good fit at 58 1/2.. The Ford 8.8 in rear with disc brakes is exactly the same WMS distance as the stock Ford rear except for pinion offset which i think is about 2 in. But they are inexpensive and come with a good selection of gear ratios. Stay away for Versaille 9 inch rears. Big and bulky, overpriced, hard to get parts for and usually come only in highway gears.

[Pete pa]

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Steve, I have a 39 deluxe coupe 302/c4/gear venders overdrive and 57-59 ford 9" and it is a perfect fit . The 11" brakes stop nice ,you have to move the spring mounts for the CE spring kit. I used 2" lowering blocks and 235/70/15 tires and 7x15 stock Mopar steel wheels they fit real nice under the fenders .

[okiedokie]

Maverick under my 40.

[geoford41]

Granada 8" or 9" will fit I have a 8" under my 1940 ford coupe & had a 9" Granada under my 1941 ford pickup. I use the CE spring kit and did not have to move the spring perches. Add the sway bars front & rear to reduce body roll

[3340]

Maverick Under My 40, Had A Granada 8.8 Under My 40 Convert Was A Nice Fit.

[biggeorge]

I used a 59 Edsel and CE springs

[Ol' Ron]

Well you got allot of answers here and the only disadvantage of the 9" is weight. However, The 5 on 51/2 might bight yoi in the future, We put a Pinto/Mustang under the 40 and that was the best thing we ever did. Unfortunately the bolt pattern is 5 on 41/2

[Deuce Engineering]

Early Bronco in my 40 coupe. 5 1/2 inch bolt pattern and 3.50 gears. 5 inch wide wheels from early 50's F-100 takes up to 235/75 tires and early Ford hubcaps. Sets on Chassis Engineering bolt on parallel springs. Works the balls and everything fits nicely inside the fenders.

[Pete]

I like the 8 inch. It's 90 lb lighter than the 9 inch. Plenty strong for a street machine.

[36tudordeluxe]

Got a Granada 8" with a CE kit in my '36, very happy.