I have a '56 Crown Vic with 292.  It used to have an automatic but now has a Mustang 5 speed with 5th gear being a 1.25:1 overdrive.  My rear ratio is probably 3.30:1 and I would like more like 3.90 or 4.10.  Any suggestions where to start hunting?  Prefer to not purchase just a ring and pinion gear since I don't know anyone who will assemble it being this old but if I can find one, I can work from there.

I found some posts here on the subject but all pretty old..

Find a 6 cyl with overdrive car..  You realize a 9 inch or 8 inch can be a bolt in?..

No, I didn't know that I could use a 9".  That helps a lot.

I have a 1956 Ford low mileage rear end if memory serves me right approx. 60,000 miles with a tag that says 3.89 and the car was an original stick shift with overdrive. The car was a wrecked 56 victoria of which I used for parts and I've had the rear end put up for well over 20 years. Don't think I'll ever use it and it is complete. I had another 56 Crown Victoria I was gonna use it in but it got sold the way it was years ago.  $200 for it but needs to be picked up it's too big for me to ship. It's always been kept in the dry. If interested you can call me at 828-298-2197

-Gary Burnette-

Putting in a 9 inch will require some other changes.. Driveshaft yoke needs to be changed to the 1310 Spicer style. You will need the 9 inch drums and backing plates as well. Look for a 57 to 60 rear or a early Mustang Bronco or Maverick. Possibly a Granada or a Lincoln Versailles as well. Used 3.89 or 4.11 gears should not be hard to find.. A lot of 57s had 3.89s

You could modernize with an 8.8. Ranger pickups and Explorers have them and the last F-150 with drums bolt on and are 11” like our stock Fords. Stock E-brakes only need the hole in the backing plates slightly enlarged for our cables. Most are the lower gears you want if they came out of an overdrive car. Just a thought..

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

The 8.8's are a nice rear, but require modifications to install in an earlier car, some which are not that easy to do.


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

65 and 66 Mustangs rears are pretty much a bolt in, but around a 3.90  gear is not easy  to find as a stock rear.  Although something close are available aftermarket


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

Paul, mine was pretty simple. Cut off all the stuff you don’t want or need. Narrowing was ez to see on the net. Drums were bolt on. A standard yoke flange was available for $50. Weld on 2 leaf spring perches and the brake lines with the stock tee.

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