9" 57-59 Ranchero or Station wagon

[EricCJ]

looking for a rear axle near New England 57-59 Ranchero or Station wagon.

[Ford Freak]

Do you need just the axle shaft, or the whole rear end assembly.? If just the shaft, which side? How long is it from the flange to the end of the splines?

[EricCJ]

Assy. Trying to upgrade my '55 T-bird to a 9".

[miker98038]

If you can find one that’s the easy solution. But a lot of guys are using 8.8” rears out of later Ford products for availability and price. If your bird is stock, it’s the lighter version of the Dana 44, with the smaller axles. All the 55’s were the same width as I recall. Bird’s, truck’s,wagon’s and police cars got the 44 series. The 9” replaced them.

Here a chart showing widths from the HAMB. Looking around, you can find variety of ratio’s and disc or drums on the back. You’ll have to deal with the spring perches most likely.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...chart.1201784/

[KULTULZ]

The trouble with these online charts is that not everyone who posts the info uses the same standards.

I also do not like rebuiling an 8.8" on my back and definitely say no to C-CLIPS.

And while I am b!tching, I also say no to worm clamps, INTERSTATE batteries, STANT radiator caps and CORVETTE brake master cylinders.

[paul2748]

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Be aware that there is a difference in the sedan (wagons included) on the spring mounting brackets. The Tbirds used a factory "lowering block" . Don't remember the height of this block. Otherwise, the location of the spring mounting brackets are the same from what I understand


Not really a block, just a taller mounting bracket.

[miker98038]

Back in the 60’s I put a Dana from a 6cyl o/d wagon in my 55 bird. (4.27 ratio). Used 2” blocks to get back to ride height, using the bird u bolts. But the width lined up.

Like any other chart, it’s a starting place. The details are up to the builder. And rebuilding that won’t be any worse than laying under a Dana 44.

[KULTULZ]

The main trouble is that there was more than one 57 REAR AXLE HOUSING (5)(and one for the 57 BIRD).

In addition to the spring mounting brackets there will also be different axle offsets and drum brake setups.

You might luck-out with a swap and then again you might not, especially a BIRD using rear wheel skirts.

That's all I am trying to get across.

[Ford Freak]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

The main trouble is that there was more than one 57 REAR AXLE HOUSING (5)(and one for the 57 BIRD).

In addition to the spring mounting brackets there will also be different axle offsets and drum brake setups.

You might luck-out with a swap and then again you might not, especially a BIRD using rear wheel skirts.

That's all I am trying to get across.

There are 5 different '57 housings? The one I have in my '56 was a bolt-in.(spring perches did not need to be moved.) It has no "dimples" on the back. It has 11"x"2.5 size brake shoes. I'm thinking the brakes may have come from a 60-67 wagon?

[KULTULZ]

Maybe this thread will help -

https://vintagethunderbirdclub.net/p...pic.php?t=7534

[flatrod]

I know of two. There are 3/8 T bolts and 1/2 T bolts holding the brakes and axles on. 1/2 for all Ranchero's and wagons, and 3/8 for everything else.

[Gene F]

There also is this thing about pinion angle, which I think Kultulz hinted around a bit. Plus the position of the pinion in relation to left side, and right side. You can end up with a humm at highway speeds, and shortened U-joint life. Be careful, you can get yourself into quite a project if you want it to be right.

Do yourself a favor and measure every possible thing you can with the car on the ground before you remove you old one. Those notes can be a big help later.

The 312 may not need a super strong rearend. You may never reap the rewards in resale price, but you may want it.

[Ford Freak]

Originally Posted by flatrod

I know of two. There are 3/8 T bolts and 1/2 T bolts holding the brakes and axles on. 1/2 for all Ranchero's and wagons, and 3/8 for everything else.

I did not know that. I learned something new today. Thanks!

[KULTULZ]

I wasn't trying to scare anyone but just point out what may happen with a swap.

The reason(s) for the different axle assemblies was to fit different models.

[Ford Freak]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

I wasn't trying to scare anyone but just point out what may happen with a swap.

The reason(s) for the different axle assemblies was to fit different models.

Ok, but they were all 57.25 wide right? Are the 9" rear ends for the '57-'59 passenger car Custom 300's, & Fairlane 500's also 57.25 wide, also? I know that the '57 & '58 Ranchero's & wagon's were based on the Custom 300 model.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Ford Freak

Ok, but they were all 57.25 wide right?

Are the 9" rear ends for the '57-'59 passenger car Custom 300's, & Fairlane 500's also 57.25 wide, also? I know that the '57 & '58 Ranchero's & wagon's were based on the Custom 300 model.

Now that I can't answer without having all examples (6) to actually measure.

The post above showing attaching bolts sizes will differentiate the differences between the axle ends for either PASS CAR BRAKE or SW BRAKE SIZES. Those ends will also alter the OA tube lengths for example.

I would think the BIRD would have shorter tubes to have the wheels/tires to fit within the quarter panel and also be able to use skirts.

If I could attach readable photos, it would easier to explain.

EDIT -

I expanded the ILL's. Hopefully you can see them now. It will show how the measurements vary. And also remember, the actual brake carrier plates will be different in size in some cases.

A = FORD
S = BIRD
SW = WAGON
SD = SDN DEL
66 = RANCHERO
51 = RHT