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By Skyliner57 - Last Year
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I have recently purchased a 1956 Ford Victoria. I would like to know which rear end is in the car?
Thanks.   
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By 55blacktie - Last Year
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55-56 full-size cars were equipped with a banjo-type rear axle; although they are similar to the Ford 9-inch that came out in 57, they are not the same. Unlike the Dana 44 that was used on the 55-56 Tbirds, which has a removable cover on the back of the axle housing, the banjo/57 differential carrier/"pumpkin" is removed from the front of the axle housing.
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By MoonShadow - Last Year
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Same rear end was used from 49-56 and has never had a nickname that I know of. Its a lame duck in Ford rears. Some years back I actually found a Detroit Gear posi unit for mine. I was lucky enough to have a 3:73, often used in police cars of the day. I'll run it until it breaks.
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By Ted - Last Year
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Based on your pictures, the rear differential does look to be a 1957 or newer 9”. Deciphering the date code on the gear housing may give a better idea exactly what year the drop out section is. The 1957-1958 9” rear end housings are a direct bolt-in for the ’55-’56 cars. The ’59 housings, while being the same width as the ’55-’56 cars, do have slightly wider spring perches but with a slight outward bow in the springs, will bolt into the earlier cars.
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By 55blacktie - Last Year
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The Ford 8-inch and 9-inch are very similar in appearance, but there are subtle differences. I don't remember how to differentiate the two by external appearance, so you have to know what to look for. The 8-inch was much more common.
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By Skyliner57 - Last Year
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Thanks for the replies. Where should I look for the date code.?I tried to find all numbers, did not see what might be a date code.
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By Ted - Last Year
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Skyliner57 (10/9/2024)
Thanks for the replies. Where should I look for the date code? I tried to find all numbers, did not see what might be a date code.
Try looking right above the oil fill plug on the third member. It will be cast into the unit and is typically a 3 or 4 digit code.
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By Skyliner57 - Last Year
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I am going to post some more photos. There is no drain plug so the front would need to be removed to drain it.
I have a 57 Ford, that has a drain plug. A friend stopped over and he is convinced it is a 9".
      
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By paul2748 - Last Year
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I have a 54 and I put in a 57 rear which also was a direct bolt in, but as mentioned had to spread the springs a tad. Even the 54 emergency brake cables went in with no problem
Ted (10/9/2024)
Based on your pictures, the rear differential does look to be a 1957 or newer 9”. Deciphering the date code on the gear housing may give a better idea exactly what year the drop out section is. The 1957-1958 9” rear end housings are a direct bolt-in for the ’55-’56 cars. The ’59 housings, while being the same width as the ’55-’56 cars, do have slightly wider spring perches but with a slight outward bow in the springs, will bolt into the earlier cars.
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By Ted - Last Year
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Skyliner57 (10/11/2024)
I am going to post some more photos. There is no drain plug so the front would need to be removed to drain it. I have a 57 Ford, that has a drain plug. A friend stopped over and he is convinced it is a 9".
The extra pictures help. The third member case and quite possibly the pinion support are both aftermarket pieces made by Performance Engineering & Manufacturing. Here’s the page from their catalog. I suspect you have the heavier street version. It would be interesting as to what ring gear carrier is in your unit.
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By Skyliner57 - Last Year
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Thanks Ted, I wondered about the PEM stamped into the cse. I have a bit of seapage, maybe I will tear it down one day---not soon.
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By Skyliner57 - Last Year
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Thanks Ted. I have a few drips but at this time do not plan to tear it apart---so will not determine the ring gear-for now.
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