I am currently restoring my grandpas old 51 f1. I would like to keep the original rear DANA 41 rear axles as the old Flathead is going back in the truck. I have searched high and low trying to find parts to rebuild this thing to no avail. Does anyone know of any good and reliable resources to reconstruct this old axle. Really looking for new and lower gears to ehlp at highway speeds. At the moment planning on a T-5 swap to help with highway cruising.

Thanks,

Josh

 

There's nothing available to replace the gears inside. If you're switching to a T5, I suggest replacing the original axle with a 9" rear end from a 57-72 F100.

 

IF you are going to do a T5 swap you might as well do a 9 " swap as well. You will be miles and $$$ ahead.

All this advice from a stocker guy!

 

To BigWin,

I can rebuild the original 3 speed as well, but my understanding is you can't get reliable and smooth highway cruising out of it. I would like to keep it as stock as possible but manageable for todays roads.

 

Check out these guys for replacement parts:

Home Page

 

Are you sure it's a Dana 41 considering it's a 51? And do you know what ratio it has? That info will allow us to help you decide.

 

People drive these things every day in stock form.

8 nuts and a brake line and the rear end can be changed back If you so desire.

I really feel keep the stock trans and put a 3.25-3.50 ratio 9" rear and you will be very happy

 

I hate to see this described as a "drop-in" solution, there is more to it, but I do agree with your overall assessment. I put in a 9" with a 3.25 gearset and found it a little too steep for taking off with stock-size tires. I changed to a 3.50 gearset and it is just about perfect (something like 3.40 would really be ideal). The 3.50 gears will allow speeds that are at the limits of the stock brakes and suspension.

 

I have a zipper on my rear end! I have a 3.92 dana that I run around town and I have another dana 44 with a 2.72 ratio that i "zipper" back in when I do road trips.

I'll spend about an hour to 2 hours tops and do this swap at least once a year, sometimes more. depending on the amount of road trips. I have left the 2.72 rear in for local driving and yes its definatly a road gear but still ok for town.

I just want to say that if you want the truck to "look stock" the t5 shifter wont look stock and you have to get on your knees to see the rear swap