Yes, the 57,58 and 59 Ford wagon 9" rear all have the same axle housing length as the 56. However, the center section has a lower profile than the 56 center section so you need a longer driveshaft. On the 57 wagon rear end I used the stock ratio was 3.56:1 Also, the 56 parking brake cables are different than the ones for the 9" rear ends, but they used nice 2&1/4" brake shoes so good stopping power there.

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

I found a ford 9 inch rear, and did a complete swap out. best way to go, 9 inch holds up better and you can insert your
ratio.

The station wagon ring and pinion are interchangeable, but the SW center section is non-removable..

.The later (55-56) wagons used a different rear than the sedans and are not interchangeable.  I don't know about he earlier years.


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

You can interchange any Ford or Mercury car rear gear 49 to 56, but if you use a 49/55 center section you must use 49/55 axles. Most Ford cars with over drive 49/56 had a 3.78 rear standard, optional was was 3.89 (standard in O/D station wagons) and 4.10. Ford cars with standard trans without O/D also had 3.78 rear gears. It rare and hard to fine but 6 cyl O/D station wagons had 4.30 rear gears.

Frank where are you located.   Carl

I have a 56 Sunliner with a 292.  It has a 3 speed with overdrive.  When I bought the car it had a 3 speed in it but one time in its life it must have had an automatic because it has 3.22 rear end.  Based on my shop manual it should have a 3.89 rear end in a 8 1/2 case.  I can not get going with out babying the clutch and would like to get the right gear set.  Is there anything interchangeable or a source for a 9/35 pinion drive gear set?  Are there companies that can custom make the ring and pinion set?

Thanks Frank