Rearend identification


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By Jeffs54Merc - 16 Years Ago
I was told by a long time Ford collector that the rearend of my "54 Merc could be a 4.11 posi.



My Merc has a 3 speed with overdrive which he said came with the 4.11. How do I verify this info for my own knowledge?
By rmk57 - 16 Years Ago
Jack the car up so the rear wheels are off the ground. Mark a tire with chalk and turn exactly one revolution and count the number of turns the driveshaft makes. One tire revolution and four driveshaft turns would be 4.00 to 1. It's easier with two people.
By Jeffs54Merc - 16 Years Ago
O.K. we will do this tonight.



I am a rookie at these old Mercs. I grew up owning 60's and 70's cars and the only 50's car I ever had before this one was a 1952 Chevy. So any info I get is a plus.
By Glen Henderson - 16 Years Ago
Welcome to the site Jeff, good looking Merc. I see that you are in the interior business, how about engine and interior pics.
By Jeffs54Merc - 16 Years Ago
Here are a few pictures. That is my grand-daughter with the 1st trophy that the car received on July 4th 08. I am going to start working on the new interior this week, I am going for the mild custom look in antique white. The engine picture was taken before i added power disc brakes.
By Hoosier Hurricane - 16 Years Ago
Jeff:

If your rear is original, it is not a posi.  Ford didn't install factory posis until '59.  So if you jack up both wheels and turn one, you'll probably just turn the other one in the opposite direction.  Jack up one wheel and turn it 2 revolutions and count driveshaft revolutions.

By crenwelge - 16 Years Ago
All of the ratios were pretty close with OD. Either 3.89, 4.09 or 4.11.
By Jeffs54Merc - 16 Years Ago
Thanks for the info. This old Merc is a learning experience for me.
By MoonShadow - 16 Years Ago
Although Ford didn't install a posi they were available aftermarket from Detroit Gear. I have on in my 56 Victoria. Chuck in NH
By rmk57 - 16 Years Ago
Theres a slim chance the metal I.D tag could still be attached to the diff. Save you the trouble of  doing it the other way.
By Jeffs54Merc - 16 Years Ago
I'll look first, thanks



I am also looking for a set of chrome headlight doors or info to where I can get a pair.