Thank you but I have a good or at least functioning rear end in the car now and a spare.I was going to rebuild the spare 3rd member and swap it into the existing housing.I just need to know where I can get parts.If anyone knows I would sure appreciate an address or phone#.

Before I went to the trouble of rebuilding a 55 rear end, I would find myself a 57 9" housing! Did mine and used my original 56 backing plates and rear drums. The 9" offers you a LOT more options when it comes to gears, not to mention limited slip options (or a locker like mine) plus it is a LOT stronger rear end. 

Just my pinon, but think this would be money better spent! 

I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning!

Thanks Cliff. 
Mark


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 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

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.

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

If I Recall Correctly...

Jim - Erie Colorado, 1957 Country Sedan

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

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