Rear Axle: 39 CE diff interchangibilty

[t walgamuth]

In my 39 I am planning to put in a 259 v8. I will be wanting a taller rear end gear than my 455 currently in back. I am not sure which diff I have, perhaps a dana 23 or 27? I am wondering if some of the taller ring and pinions will bolt into it? it looks a lot like the 44. It would be swell if i could bolt in later gears and even better if a limited slip would bolt into it.

Any body know about this?

[t walgamuth]

I have come to the conclusion that nobody happens to know the answer to this question.

In any case it is now moot since yesterday I drove over to Elwood In and bought a ford 9" from a seventy something f150. It appears to have an open 3.50 diff. It also has 11 x 2.5" self energizing drum brakes which are a big improvement over the original brakes and will offer a good sound parking brake as a part of the deal. A 9" was my first choice so I am happy about this.