Ford Rear end

[desertdoc]

I was thinking about putting a 9" ford rear end on my 64 Challenger. Does anyone know if there is a stock ford rear end that will fit my car without having to modify it?

Thanks
John

[Swifster]

Because of how narrow these cars are, I'd think that the closest match would be Lincoln Versailles rear ends with the rear wheel discs. These are getting harder to find. Of course, most places that deal with high performance rear ends can make you one.

On the other hand, everything I've heard about the Dana 44 has been all good. Unless you are running over 450-500 HP, a '44' should be fine.

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Tom - Sterling Heights, MI

Ancient Chinese Proverb: "Injection is nice, but I'd rather be blown!"

1964 Studebaker Daytona - Laguna Blue, Original 4-Spd. Car, Power Steering, Disc Brakes, Bucket Seats, Tinted Glass, Climatizer Ventilation System, AM Radio (136,989 Miles)

[Roscomacaw]

Or if, per chance, you've already GOT a 44 rear under that Challenger, buy a set of the freshly minted flanged axles for it and GO![}]

Miscreant at large.

1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe
1957 President 2-dr
1955 President State
1951 Champion Biz cpe
1963 Daytona project FS

[mtdoraford]

John, why a ford 8"9" rear end over the mopar 7 3/4 rear end in your challenger,or is it a Dana 60? Rear end measurement is from backing plate to backing plate and then the gear ratio you want. A great driving ratio with an overdrive transmission is 300+ to 360: to 1. I always look to why should I change something and how much will it cost? I'm taking my Avanti rear end (I'm told is a Dana 44) to the swap meet this weekend to have the axles changed and add rear disc brakes. I'm figuring $400 to do this and have it set like a ford set-up.

The Mopar rear end is very strong and will handle 400 plus horsepower/and or torque.

John, if your into hot roding buy all the ford rear ends you can find of the 8"/9" variety at about 49" to 52" backing plate to plate. Great for street rods. I have a 28 Buick street rod with a ford 8" posi track with a 337 ratio, I already bent the rear 4 bar and crashed the front motor mount. It jumps off the line and puts a smile on your face. "Where is that 55 chevy in that movie american graf...tie" (no spell check).

John, go to the swap meets, car shows and talk with the guys. We have a retired group that goes to lunch every wednesday and we have a great time, I've learned so much. Anyone going to the Moultrie, Ga. swap meet in November, lets get together!

PS: I'm looking for some central florida guys who would like to travel to the Charlotte swap meet on Sept. 15, 16, 17. It cost me about 40 gallons of gas one way and $85 plus a night at the Residence inn for a hotel. Anyone looking to go to Charlotte and share expenses, give me a holler. mtdoraford@comcast.net

[Dick Steinkamp]

quote:Originally posted by desertdoc

I was thinking about putting a 9" ford rear end on my 64 Challenger. Does anyone know if there is a stock ford rear end that will fit my car without having to modify it?

Thanks
John

Why? (not meant to be a mean spirited question). The dana 44 is pretty stout and a lot lighter than a ford 9". To make it even stouter, the flanged axle conversion for the 44 will cost you less than professionally welded spring perches, setting pinion angle, custom drive shaft, etc for the 9"...that's IF you can find one narrow enough to be able to get some tires under the car. If you have to have one narrowed (likely), the 44 is a no brainer from a budget standpoint (unless you have already installed that blown BB Chevy <grin&gt.

OTOH, a Ford 8" out of a Maverick is probably narrow enough, but not as strong as a dana 44. You'd still have to have the necessary modifications and set up done to install it, however.

-Dick-

[Alan]

The Ford 9" from 57-59 will drop right in a C or K, you have to pull the one spring out about 1/4 to 1/2" to get the pin to drop in. If you have been racing as long as I have you will have gear sets fron 2.73 to 7.00 and the 9" is lighter than a 44.

[Transtar60]

I'd have to agree with Mr Biggs. Put a set of the flanged axle conversions in there and go.

The Ford rear is heavier and only marginally stronger, maybe.

[desertdoc]

I was a ford guy before I bought this project, and never really did much with trannys. I mostly did interior and body work and the occsional engine rebuild. How do I identify which rear end is in this car. It was originally a straight six three speed. When I bought it it was without engine or tranny. I am planning on putting a chevy 350 0.30" over, street/strip cam, roller rockers, dual plane edelbrock intake with edelbrock( weber i beleive) 650 cfm carb, 4 speed saginaw (2 notches on spline). The rear end diff looks a little small for this. I appreciate all of your inputs because at this time I am kinda flying by the seat of my pants on this transmission. After I figure out the best combo, I'll get it put together....eventually. Next step, motor mounts and 4 wheel discs.
John

[Transtar60]

You probably have a Dana 27 in there Doc , unless the original owner ordered a Dana 44.
I would look for a Dana 44 from a V8 Stude. Many places/people out your way to ask for leads. (Chuck Collins, other guys in SDC out that way)

[Dick Steinkamp]

quote:Originally posted by desertdoc

I was a ford guy before I bought this project, and never really did much with trannys. I mostly did interior and body work and the occsional engine rebuild. How do I identify which rear end is in this car. It was originally a straight six three speed. When I bought it it was without engine or tranny. I am planning on putting a chevy 350 0.30" over, street/strip cam, roller rockers, dual plane edelbrock intake with edelbrock( weber i beleive) 650 cfm carb, 4 speed saginaw (2 notches on spline). The rear end diff looks a little small for this. I appreciate all of your inputs because at this time I am kinda flying by the seat of my pants on this transmission. After I figure out the best combo, I'll get it put together....eventually. Next step, motor mounts and 4 wheel discs.
John

Cast into the webbing between the center section and an axle will be the Dana model number. If it was originally a 6 cylinder car, it most likely has a Dana 27 which is probably not strong enough for the engine you have in mind (although that Saginaw 4 speed won't take a lot of HP either).

The 6 cylinder cars had smaller brakes too. You will want to upgrade these to V8 brakes OR move your 4 wheel disk plans up in priority.

-Dick-

[Roscomacaw]

Here again, is the photo that shows were you can find the model# of a Stude Dana rear axle assembly:

http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/906179/1117212188010_S2400398.JPG

[desertdoc]

Thanks to all.

[Dan White]

Doc before you drop that 350 SB you might want to check out what a Stude V8 would do! It is a stout engine and there are plenty on this forum that can guide you into what can be done to it to hop it up. There are cams, manifolds, T-10 4 speeds, etc. that can work just fine and give you a hellva a ride. Dare to be different!!!!! If you like I can send you the (scan) Hemmings Muscle Machines edition from last year talking about Ted Harbit's Chicken Hawk and the records it set with Stude Power. BTW Ted regularly kicks some serious butt at the Pure Muscle Car Drags every year, some of his victims include: Yenko (427BBC) Camero, GTO's, etc. So the Stude V8 is nothing to sneeze at. I realize you don't have any experience in the Stude area but do some research before you drop in that SBC, or as it is known here, a belly button motor (everyone has one!)

Dan White
64 R1 GT
64 R2 GT