Chuck & to all:
 I am using a 57- 9" or what ever it is, and just so everyone knows a newer (I believe from the 70's) 9" carrier out of a truck (28 spline, 3:55 Detroit locker) bolted right into the original 57 housing using the 57 axles.  Also, I just bolted my 56 backing plates, brakes, drums right up to the 57 housing (saved me buying all new brakes). Oh and yes my bearings are the small ones. 

Curious to know what the differences are other than the smaller bearings and 28 spline? As per standing up to 300 HP, that is what I am running and don't think it would be an issue. 

Hope this helps a bit!   

I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning!

I'm well known here for a lousy memory but I think the brake backing plates will bolt onto the early 9". I think one of our north of the border readers did it. Maybe someone will pop up and answer that for sure. You can also use the early Mustang rear end. Chuck



Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

So the 57 housing will accept all the 9 inch goodies but is a small bearing? I looked at new housings etc. But I can get the 57 housing cheap and I don't mind rebuilding it. I was planning on a new center section with 3.73 and limited slip and maybe new axles with discs. My y isn't a real high horse engine (around 280-300hp range) so I think the small bearing will be ok. Plus if it's a direct bolt in that would be an added bonus.

Durham Missouri

I agree with Frank. The 57 was different than all that followed. That would not make me not use it. Today there are many suppliers of 9" Ford complete rear ends; they can be found listed in many magazines (Drive, NHRA, Speedway etc.) they will supply them anyway you want. Drums, discs, widths, floaters, 28, 31, or even 35 spline. There are clamping devices available for your caliper mounts (if using discs) as well as mounts for your leaf springs. I just replaced one side of our race cars full floater with clamp on mounts. We like those so we ca set the correct pinion angle. They tack welded when complete. We ran a 28 spline in our Street Stock 1/2 mile car for years with no problems......Good Luck.

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Ok Frank, Now you have me confused??? I have a 57 / 9" in my car and purchased a 28 spline Carrier complete with a Detroit locker. I know they have a 31 spline, bigger bearing 9", but why do you say the 57 is not really a 9"??? 

Oh and yes it is a complete bolt in to a 56, only difference if the spring perches are 1" shorter than a 56 stock rear end.  

I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning!

The 57 is not really a true 9". However the housing is the same as 1958-9 which is. Clear as mud? I am under the impression that the 57 housing can be bolted into a 56 with little trouble, but there are better big bearing housings in later cars. You would have to narrow them and install new spring perches as I did in the Red car.
                                                                         

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

I was under the impression that ALL 57's had 9" rear ends? Just that the Ranchero's & Wagons had the large bearing ones? 

I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning!

I just rebuilt a 57 wagon rear for my wife's 56 Ranch Wagon. Rebuilt or replaced everything, including axle bearings. Everything is available. However, the stock 57 wagon (FOM) rears (probably 58 & 59 also) came with a 3.56 open gear set and use a combination U Joint which is not compatible with the 56 rear driveshaft yoke .
 A standard 1310 style U Joint will not work with the with the stock pinion gear shaft. They are hard to find, but Denny's Driveshaft has them for about $50.00. Here is what they look like if you are not familiar; http://www.dennysdriveshaft.com/p1233_1310_to_1949_1959_ford_wing_style.html I'll stay with the stock 3.56 gears until I can afford a 3.70 posi unit.
Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

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

Sorry about the double post. Fat fingers and smartphone sometimes don't get along.

Durham Missouri