I  am going to overhaul the rear end in my 55 Ford.I keep seeing small parts sets(bearings,gaskets etc) advertised for "8 inch Fords".Are those still the same parts or are there a couple of different 8" rear ends?

I am in the same boat.  Any information on this would be helpful.


Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

Stock 55 and 56 rear ends are not 8" that were used in Explorers etc.  IIRC a Dana 44 was used in the 55s and 56s and 9" showed up in 57 and later.
TC

You gotta have the right tools and know how to use 'em.

TC - Austin, Texas

Tom I have seen the acronym IIRC before.  What does it mean.  The Dana 44's were used in the station wagons and Thunderbirds.  Are they the same width as the car rear ends?


Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

If I Recall Correctly...

Jim - Erie Colorado, 1957 Country Sedan

The first rear end I replaced in a bird, in the late 60's came out of a wagon. The one in my car now has larger axles, and the bearings show as a truck part. The spring perches were diffent heights, and the axles as mentioned, but otherwise identical to a casual look. So, I assume the Dana 44 was used in all three applications. A well as many others, other than Ford.

There's a local shop, Everet Wa. I think, called Randy's Ring and Pinion. They don't show the early 50's car rear ends on the site, only trucks. But I'll bet they'd know what you need if you called. Might be an option for you, Mark, they're not that far. Or, they might know a supply north of the border.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Thank you.I have the tools and experience although my experience is mostly with GM rears.I reckon what I really need to know is where to find parts.As I understand it the 55-56 cars use a different rear from the station wagons and the 57 models.

Thanks Mike, you're right its not too far.  went through there last weekend on the way to Monroe.  I'll check it out.


Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

mark i have a catalog at home, plus most bearing houses will ,or should have bearings and seals ,get#s off old 1s. cliff

Thanks Cliff. 
Mark


Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia