06-03-2013, 09:35 AM | #1 |
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Rear Axle Woes
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. |
06-03-2013, 01:47 PM | #2 |
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Re: Rear Axle Woes
Retro Jim posted a great rear end swap chart here:http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/g...6&pp=20&page=2 When you do the swap you will need a conversion U-Joint NEAPCO is your go to place for those.
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06-03-2013, 05:31 PM | #3 |
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Re: Rear Axle Woes
Found it! Thx Jim, great info
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06-03-2013, 09:03 PM | #4 |
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Re: Rear Axle Woes
55-56 TBirds, 55/56 Station Wagons used the same rear. Parts should be available. Try the TBird vendors, the car vendors plus Joblot Automotive in NY 718-468-8585. Other makes also used the same rear.
If the Merc used the same width rear as the Fords, then length wise 57-59 9 inchers are the same (57 1/4) as are 65-66 Mustang (8 inch). You would have to check to see if the spring mounts (pads) are the same |
06-03-2013, 09:44 PM | #5 |
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Re: Rear Axle Woes
A 65 Mustang 8" will bolt into a 55-56 Ford. Put one in my wagon, but then changed back when I realized that the 56 had more brake shoe surface then the Mustang.
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06-03-2013, 10:43 PM | #6 |
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Re: Rear Axle Woes
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06-04-2013, 12:39 AM | #7 |
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Re: Rear Axle Woes
redrill the axles for the correct pattern
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06-04-2013, 10:51 AM | #8 |
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Re: Rear Axle Woes
If you dont put huge amounts of horse power into the stock rear end, have a pro overhaul it. It will be much less work, it shouldn't cost much more if any, it all fits like it was made to, and will work fine for the next fifty years at least.
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06-13-2013, 09:55 AM | #9 |
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Re: Rear Axle Woes
It appears the fault lies with the lowering blocks that were on the car when I bought it. They didn't fit properly and were completely worn out, allowing the rear end to squirm around and occasionally cause a binding situation where the driveshaft goes into the trans. After a lot of online shopping I was not able to find replacement blocks that would bolt directly in. I finally got a set of adjustable blocks from Speedway and a machinist where I work is making the necessary modifications to make them fit. Film at 11...
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06-13-2013, 12:46 PM | #10 |
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Re: Rear Axle Woes
in your search box type (High Q Ties ford 9" rear end info), it should take you to site with a bunch of info on ford 8" and 9" rear ends, year models, gear ratios, rear end lengths and i d numbers, and also what axles can be shortened
Last edited by ford3; 06-13-2013 at 12:53 PM. |
06-13-2013, 06:55 PM | #11 |
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Re: Rear Axle Woes
Better check your U-joints.
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06-13-2013, 09:14 PM | #12 |
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Re: Rear Axle Woes
Dobie,
Glad you got it figured out and glad it's nothing serious inside your differential. Talk to you later. Butch |
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