U-bolt Applications

[David Conwill]

I’m trying to figure out what u-bolts to use on a ‘56 Ford station wagon rear axle. Nobody seems to list one, but I’m trying to make an educated guess based on the following information from MAC's Antique Auto Parts:

MA-5705-F is the part number that fits the 1949-56 passenger cars except the wagon and sedan delivery. I believe that’s because the axle tube on the wagon / delivery axle is thicker. B5S-5705 is the part number for a 1955-56 Thunderbird. I believe the Thunderbird used the same rear axle as the wagon and sedan delivery. B7A-5705-A is also listed as fitting 1955-57 Thunderbirds (it’s a ‘57 part number, but must replace B5S-5705). B7A-5705-A is also listed for all 1957-59 Ford passenger cars.

Is it a correct assumption that B7A-5705-A will fit a ‘56 wagon axle, then?

Also, it was suggested that NAPA sells U-bolts by dimensions - does anyone know what dimensions I would need? Thanks!

[David Conwill]

For the record, I realize the '56 wagon uses a Dana 44 and the '57 cars use the 9-inch; but the crossover between the '55-'56 and '57 Thunderbirds makes me think dimensionally the axle tubes are the same.

[Ole Don]

I dont think the U blots care if they are 1/4 inch to big. The bolts are usually soft enough to pull down around the axle. If they are close, they will be OK. BUT! be sure to not over tighten them so as to strip the threads, AND! be sure to re-tighten them at about 100 miles and then twice a year for a while. I always use a bit of anti seize too, both to make torquing easier, and for the next time they must come off.

[miker98038]

If I can trust my memory- Years ago I put a dana 44 out of a 6 cyl o/d car in a 55 bird, giving me a 4:56 ratio behind a t-85 (yes fitting it in was tough). The only difference was the spring pad height, I used lowering blocks to get the bird back to level. Just a few years ago, I did a AME 4 bar on a dana, and we needed to plate the bracket for a smaller axle tube than the 9" it was designed for. That said, I would agree with Ole Don, the u bolts will pull down. Bolts for a bird may be long, and require more thread, and perhaps cutting to a avoid hanging down.

[David Conwill]

Thanks guys. Sounds like the T-bird u-bolts might be the ticket. If they're too long, maybe I'll experiment with lowering blocks - the rear would look good with an inch or two of drop.

[Y-Blockhead]

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David, don't forget that the Wagon has more leaves in the spring pack than the car or 'bird (7 as opposed to 5). That's why the difference in car/wagon part numbers. The 'bird U-Blolt may be too short.

[David Conwill]

Maybe I shouldn't say this here but... It's going on Falcon springs.

[frank long island]

why not get a coat hanger and bend it to the size and length you need and go to a spring shop in town or maybe a truck spring shop maybe they can make them for you that is what I did with 55 wagon with an explorer rear and stock springs good luck

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by David Conwill

Maybe I shouldn't say this here but... It's going on Falcon springs.

Maybe you should try to give up ALL the pertinent information so we can make "educated guesses" (your words).

Which bring up another question; what spring plate are you using? The U-Bolts have to fit thru the holes...

[David Conwill]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Maybe you should try to give up ALL the pertinent information so we can make "educated guesses" (your words).

Well, geez, what's the fun in that?

Which bring up another question; what spring plate are you using? The U-Bolts have to fit thru the holes...

Hmm, I don't have the wagon pieces, so I guess the Falcon... but they probably won't have the spacing correct for the larger u-bolts.