Help identify rear end in 1950 F1 project

[vistachief]

I'm needing to lose the granny gears and need help. Thetruck has been hot rodded many years ago... chevy 327 and power glide. Not clear about the rear end.

Thanks!

 

[vistachief]

So could this be late 60s GM? I believe the engine and trans is.

 

[mtflat]

Just at first glance, I'm guessing 8".... it's Ford's lighter version of the 9" that was used in Mustangs and Mavericks during the same time period (60's)

Check the case for numbers around the oval on the back. 8" are also durable and a good substitute for the original.

 

[vistachief]

Just at first glance, I'm guessing 8".... it's Ford's lighter version of the 9" that was used in Mustangs and Mavericks during the same time period (60's)

Check the case for numbers around the oval on the back. 8" are also durable and a good substitute for the original.

Will do. Thanks for the response!

 

[Fellro]

Late 60'\s, no. Early 60's, maybe. The weld tab that looks to still be there at the top on the back makes it a definite possibility. The suspension would have attached there. The lack of ribbing on the differential carrier is the thing that is throwing me off. May even be 50's.

Everything I am finding on the GM axles show a GM cast onto the carrier housing. Also, I am seeing that the 8" and 9" axles also had bolt out pinions, while the GM's did not, which again leans me towards this being a 50's - early 60's GM axle. No newer than 64 though.

 

[CowboyBilly9Mile]

Looks a whole lot like a 1955 (56, 57, others) Chevy BelAir rear end to me.

 

[fatherdoug]

Might this be it? Looks very similar, but I am certainly NOT a pumpkin specialist.

https://www.yukongear.com/diffdetai...ff&TypeID=5&Type=GM&DiffID=36&DiffName=GM+55P

 

[vistachief]

Might this be it? Looks very similar, but I am certainly NOT a pumpkin specialist.

https://www.yukongear.com/diffdetai...ff&TypeID=5&Type=GM&DiffID=36&DiffName=GM+55P

That link's not working for me but sure looks like this one that's described as a 50s Bel Air

 

[vistachief]

Late 60'\s, no. Early 60's, maybe. The weld tab that looks to still be there at the top on the back makes it a definite possibility. The suspension would have attached there. The lack of ribbing on the differential carrier is the thing that is throwing me off. May even be 50's.

Everything I am finding on the GM axles show a GM cast onto the carrier housing. Also, I am seeing that the 8" and 9" axles also had bolt out pinions, while the GM's did not, which again leans me towards this being a 50's - early 60's GM axle. No newer than 64 though.

Is it worth working with? I need to gear up.

 

[vistachief]

Looks a whole lot like a 1955 (56, 57, others) Chevy BelAir rear end to me.

sure does... but not the pumpkin right?

 

[fatherdoug]

Here is a screenshot of the link I posted earlier.

 

[Fellro]

Is it worth working with? I need to gear up.

Parts can be had, but not overly common. Not nearly as easy to swap as a 9"

 

[dustybumpers]

8" looks just like a 9" but you can't get a socket on the bolt under the pumpkin in the 9"
That is NOT a 8"
Looks like early mopar ( Dana), uses the same wheel bolt pattern as 8"

If I were going to make changes, I'd find a late model Explorer, and changer the whole unit.
probably cost about the same amount of money when you are all done

 

[vistachief]

8" looks just like a 9" but you can't get a socket on the bolt under the pumpkin in the 9"
That is NOT a 8"
Looks like early mopar ( Dana), uses the same wheel bolt pattern as 8"

If I were going to make changes, I'd find a late model Explorer, and changer the whole unit.
probably cost about the same amount of money when you are all done

Looks like that's what I'll be doing.

Thanks!

 

[Fellro]

It also allows you to upgrade to disc rear on the cheap if you so choose.