I'm sure this subject may have came up before but, what passenger car 9 inch is the right width for a 56 wagon? I just read that maybe one out of a 70-71 torino might be the one to get. I want to verify that before I get one. I assume the spring perches will have to be changed and maybe the shock mount? 

Durham Missouri

For a 56, the easiest to install are the 9 inch rears are the 57, 58 and 59 rears.  Same length, all the cables fit and the spring pads are the same, at least on the 57 and 58.  Not sure on the 59.  The 65 and 66 Mustang are the same, but finding a 9 inch out of these cars is rare as they were only used in the HIPO's.  The wagon and ranchero rears are the best as they have the large bearings.
Other years 9 inchers are longer
I don't know bout the Torino

If your not going for high HP, an 8 inch out of the 65/66Mustangs are the same length and I believe the spring pads are the same as a 56.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

IIRC, those wagons came with the Dana 44, same as a truck and Tbird. Is it still in the car?

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

Yes it still has the 44. I was thinking of swapping due to the fact the 9 inch has a tremendous amount of aftermarket support. I would like to eventually add rear discs and 3.73 rear gear after I do the t5 conversion. I have to admit I haven't looked to see what is available for the 44. What's the axle code for a 57 that has a 9 inch? There is a 2 door hardtop in a yard near me.

Durham Missouri

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

Durham Missouri

PM sent

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

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

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!

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) 

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!