Rear End Revisited

[lethal289]

In the "green sheet" which is a classified paper, i found a 9" rear out of a '61 thunder bird. I called the owner, and he says it measures 54 3/4" backing plate to backing plate. Correct me if im wrong, but i believe the '67 measures 52 1/4". I am thinking that this would mean that i could use modern mustang wheels without the need of the spacer?

I know the thunder bird spring shackle locations are closer together then the mustang, is there anything else i should be aware of, or look for in this? Any help is appreciated. TIA

 

[daveSanborn]

is there anything else i should be aware of, or look for in this?

Gear ratio? Trac-Lok?

 

[lethal289]

Gear ratio? Trac-Lok?

Unsure, guy didn't know, and only knew it was except for drums complete with third member. I plan to attempt to make it to his place tomorrow or Saturday. Drums are on it now, but hes keeping them for another project tbird.

 

[daveSanborn]

May prove helpful.....

http://www.mustangsandmore.com/ubb/FordRearDimensions.html

 

[daveSanborn]

.... and....

http://www.ridgenet.net/~biesiade/Fordrears.html

 

[daveSanborn]

Try and locate the build/ID tag that's usually on one of the carrier studs.

 

[lethal289]

Your second link has flange to flange measurements as the same for 67-70 and 71 to 73 as the same. I thought the 71 and newer were wider. Either way it has the thunder bird as even bigger.

YEAR/MODEL (flange to flange)

'67-'70 MUSTANG/COUGAR 54"

'71-'73 MUSTANG/COUGAR 54"

'61-'67 THUNDERBIRD 56"

Anybody have their own real life measurements? I know a few of you guys have done this or a similar swap.

 

[70_Fastback]

Note. That 9" that I picked up for the Rat -- I was TOLD it was from an early T-bird - how early I don't know.

But it has a 5 x 5-1/2" bolt circle pattern....

 

[lethal289]

hmm... good point J. thanks. Ill have to check that. I don't necessarily want to buy new axles.

 

[lethal289]

I asked for some pics, i got these crappy cell phone ones. Any thoughts?

 

[monkeystash]

Looks like 31 spline axles.

http://www.kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htm

 

[cmayna]

I can't see the hump on the rear end. Sure it's a 9"? Maybe it's just the photo.

 

[66gt350]

Note. That 9" that I picked up for the Rat -- I was TOLD it was from an early T-bird - how early I don't know.

But it has a 5 x 5-1/2" bolt circle pattern....

With that bolt pattern, that sounds like a truck rear end. Just find a set of car axels and you'll be good to go.

 

[monkeystash]

I can't see the hump on the rear end. Sure it's a 9"? Maybe it's just the photo.

Humps only '67 and later.

 

[70_Fastback]

With that bolt pattern, that sounds like a truck rear end. Just find a set of car axels and you'll be good to go.

For the rat truck - I Want the 5 x 5-1/2.

 

[70_Fastback]

I asked for some pics, i got these crappy cell phone ones. Any thoughts?

Definetly not 5 x 5-1/2. Look at the difference between yours and mine. Mine's much bigger. :naug

 

[lethal289]

J, it sounds like you have a truck rearend. I found this:

http://www.roddingroundtable.com/tech/articles/boltpat.html

It says: all of the below have a 5 x 4 1/2 bolt pattern.

Ford Galaxie, LTD, XL................1960-72
Ford Fairlane, Falcon (V-8)........ 1968-71
Ford Thunderbird......................1955-71 & 1977-79
Ford Mustang (V-8)...................1965-73
Ford Mustang SVO.....................1985-86
Ford Maverick...........................All 5-bolt
Ford Ranchero..........................1968-84
Ford Aerostar, Bronco II/Ranger...1983-2002
Ford Granada, Monarch...............All 5-bolt

 

[70_Fastback]

I'm fine with it. I'll just be running steel wheels with wide white wall tires anyway. Easier to find truck steel wheels. I'm looking for some 17"+ though.

Dodge has some stock 20" diamter 5 x 5-1/2" wheels - but they are a little wider than what I want. I'm going with tall and skinney on this build. Something like a 31" tall rear tire.