In the words of Emily Littela, "If it's not one thing, it's another". I think the rear axle in my 55 Merc has breathed it's last. Yesterday it suddenly developed a lot of play and a loud bang on releasing the clutch. I got the car up on jack stands and can now rotate the driveshaft about 3/4" back and forth before feeling any resistance. I have never abused it, but who knows what's in its past.

So my questions:

Are internal parts still available for these Spicer/Dana 44 axles?

Anybody here swapped a later axle into a 55/56 Merc? I'm thinking a 9" or an 8.8" would do the trick, but which donor vehicles have an axle of similar width? I'd like to keep the original lug bolt pattern if possible.

Any help appreciated.