302 and auto trans. in 55 Ford

[grumppyoldman]

Yes it's the original rear end and has never been serviced before. I found a conneccting rod bolt in the pinion between the bearings where the crush sleeve is, Can't figure out how that got from the engine to the rear end. It was beat up pretty bad and the crush sleeve also had damage. Al

[grumppyoldman]

It was a bolt like the ones that hold the third member in the rear housing. All 10 of them were in place, and it was inside the crush sleeve. Tore the sleeve all to hell, wish I could post pics. maybe learn how to on my cell phone. Al

[grumppyoldman]

Got all the part's coming in tomorrow, C&G Ford Part's came through again for me. They had the rear axle bearing's and they saved the day. Good people to deal with. May have it back together this weekend. Al

[grumppyoldman]

All the parts in the overhaul kit were wrong, bearings and seals. Seems like Mac's had wrong year model listed for parts. Called Yukon Gear and axle who makes the kit, they said the kit is for 64 and up not for 55's, so be aware when ordering parts from Mac's. Found some more supplier's for parts ( NOS classic auto parts Wakachie Tx.) ( Green classic auto part's Conn.) ( Hilltop classic auto parts. moved from Cal. to North Carolina ) Maybe some you have not been aware of. Al

[grumppyoldman]

Waiting on more parts, but can't find a crush sleeve. Anyone of you have the dimensions for one. I could make my own if i kne the length and dia. maybe put bearings in pinion housing an take some measurment's to find out the length. Mine was FUBR and can't tell how long it was. Al

[grumppyoldman]

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Got more part's c&g had the right front pinion bearing, that nobody else had. It fits the outboard pinion shaft, still waiting on outboard pinion racer from Mac's, that is the last of the parts. Cut .290'' off the crush sleeve hope it works. Al

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by grumppyoldman

All the parts in the overhaul kit were wrong, bearings and seals. Seems like Mac's had wrong year model listed for parts. Called Yukon Gear and axle who makes the kit, they said the kit is for 64 and up not for 55's, so be aware when ordering parts from Mac's.

Their cataloging is very confusing (to me) and it seems the quality of the parts is questionable also.

[grumppyoldman]

Got all parts in and installed, put the rear end together, and only smashed one finger. Got axles in and now working on brakes. Had to buy a spring tool, damn things are stronger than they use to be. Have car jacked up and blocked, ran rear axles, no noise yet. Have to see what it does under load. maybe tomorrow. Al

[KULTULZ]

What did you do for a crush sleeve?

[grumppyoldman]

I used the one that's for a chevy. 12 bolt rear end, cut .290" off and it kinda worked. Should have cut only .280" off would have been just fine. I took a pipe and hammer and worked the expanded part over and got another .006" that tightened it up to where I could turn the u=joint,but not spin it. Got it all back together and seems to be fine. Will road test when it quits raining and roads dry. Al





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[grumppyoldman]

Road tested it Sat. and had no whine from rear end so far it looks like it's going to be ok. Al

[packrat5]

A Studebaker rear end won't fit in a Ford. The spring perches are located in a different place. Also, Studebaker axels were tapered, not flanged like a Ford, except for some 65 and 66 models, and I doubt if anyone would have sacrificed one of them to put in a Ford.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by grumppyoldman

Road tested it Sat. and had no whine from rear end so far it looks like it's going to be ok. Al

Please save this thread and any further results/info you come across post here.

It is interesting as the 1955 spacer was unique as was the 1956.