Differential/Rear End


http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/Topic167344.aspx
Print Topic | Close Window

By Skyliner57 - Last Week
I have recently purchased a 1956 Ford Victoria. I would like to know which rear end is in the car?
Thanks. http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/341ef1d5-574d-40e3-9cc5-b0b4.jpghttp://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/1a929795-183b-490b-aff9-a275.jpghttp://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/8a9822b2-cca0-4850-9b6c-5a53.jpg
By 55blacktie - Last Week
55-56 full-size cars were equipped with a banjo-type rear axle; although they are similar to the Ford 9-inch that came out in 57, they are not the same. Unlike the Dana 44 that was used on the 55-56 Tbirds, which has a removable cover on the back of the axle housing, the banjo/57 differential carrier/"pumpkin" is removed from the front of the axle housing. 
By MoonShadow - Last Week
Same rear end was used from 49-56 and has never had a nickname that I know of. Its a lame duck in Ford rears. Some years back I actually found a Detroit Gear posi unit for mine. I was lucky enough to have a 3:73, often used in police cars of the day. I'll run it until it breaks.
By Ted - 2 Weeks Ago
Based on your pictures, the rear differential does look to be a 1957 or newer 9”.  Deciphering the date code on the gear housing may give a better idea exactly what year the drop out section is.  The 1957-1958 9” rear end housings are a direct bolt-in for the ’55-’56 cars.  The ’59 housings, while being the same width as the ’55-’56 cars, do have slightly wider spring perches but with a slight outward bow in the springs, will bolt into the earlier cars.
By 55blacktie - 2 Weeks Ago
The Ford 8-inch and 9-inch are very similar in appearance, but there are subtle differences. I don't remember how to differentiate the two by external appearance, so you have to know what to look for. The 8-inch was much more common. 
By Skyliner57 - Last Week
Thanks for the replies. Where should I look for the date code.?I tried to find all numbers, did not see what might be a date code.
By Ted - Last Week
Skyliner57 (10/9/2024)
Thanks for the replies. Where should I look for the date code? I tried to find all numbers, did not see what might be a date code.

Try looking right above the oil fill plug on the third member.  It will be cast into the unit and is typically a 3 or 4 digit code.

By Skyliner57 - Last Week
I am going to post some more photos. There is no drain plug so the front would need to be removed to drain it.
I have a 57 Ford, that has a drain plug. A friend stopped over and he is convinced it is a 9".
http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/4d0a0a5e-3493-41e1-b8ca-0edd.jpghttp://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/22708e75-0836-4df8-8964-9f87.jpghttp://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/c4c2528f-f21e-47ff-9d5b-53df.jpghttp://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/789d5517-056b-4805-b6e7-c962.jpghttp://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/bb3f1a50-2f49-470f-8163-405c.jpghttp://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/86ab1dad-0947-40b5-9554-2851.jpghttp://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/f178fe75-2572-4303-b9ee-0b32.jpg
By paul2748 - Last Week
I have a 54 and I put in a 57 rear which also was a direct bolt in, but as mentioned had to spread the springs a tad.  Even the 54 emergency brake cables went in with no problem

Ted (10/9/2024)
Based on your pictures, the rear differential does look to be a 1957 or newer 9”.  Deciphering the date code on the gear housing may give a better idea exactly what year the drop out section is.  The 1957-1958 9” rear end housings are a direct bolt-in for the ’55-’56 cars.  The ’59 housings, while being the same width as the ’55-’56 cars, do have slightly wider spring perches but with a slight outward bow in the springs, will bolt into the earlier cars.


By Ted - Last Week
Skyliner57 (10/11/2024)
I am going to post some more photos. There is no drain plug so the front would need to be removed to drain it. I have a 57 Ford, that has a drain plug. A friend stopped over and he is convinced it is a 9".

The extra pictures help.  The third member case and quite possibly the pinion support are both aftermarket pieces made by Performance Engineering & Manufacturing.  Here’s the page from their catalog.  I suspect you have the heavier street version.  It would be interesting as to what ring gear carrier is in your unit.
http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/uploads/images/d7e1b1b4-cf85-4f77-bf17-6759.jpg  

By Skyliner57 - Last Week
Thanks Ted, I wondered about the PEM  stamped into the cse. I have a bit of seapage, maybe I will tear it down one day---not soon.
By Skyliner57 - Last Week
Thanks Ted. I have a few drips but at this time do not plan to tear it apart---so will not determine the ring gear-for now.