I have recently purchased a 1956 Ford Victoria. I would like to know which rear end is in the car?
Thanks.

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. 

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.

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

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.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

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. 

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.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

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".

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





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

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.
  

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)