I've done some research mainly reading (https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/1948-through-1960-ford-f-1-and-f-100-rear-axle-differential-swaps/) this artical which was full of great info. I found a ford 9" with the right measurement of (close to) 61" from plate to plate with 3½" axle tubes from a friend for the smoking price of a case of beer. Once I got it home I set it on the rear axle and something instantly looked wrong
So I decided to measure the axle that's already installed and came up with this.
The axle that's in it right now is the correct Dana 44 but could it possibly be a from a different car/truck? The artical said it should be the same as the ford 9" I bought? I'm at a loss any help will be appreciated!

 

Are you measuring to the axle housing flange, or to the outside of the brake drum where the wheel mounts? Maybe it's the angle of that photo but it makes the 9” housing look ginormous!
I believe those measurements are referencing the wheel mounting flange area.

 

i say, go back to your friend and drink some of that beer to cut your loses.

 

I was planing to go the same way as you trey read the same articles?
I'm looking for 61" ford 9" I have not sold the jag irs yet guy wants to buy it, got to put him off

 

That 9" housing looks like it is out of a van as the one axle tube is longer than the other.

 

Have you considered an 8.8 rear axle from an explorer? They're a good fit, and plenty strong for most applications. I just picked one up with 3.73 gears, traction lock, and disc brakes, all for less than the cost of just the gear set for a 9".

 

How did it fit tony, wheel set back, got pic ?

 

I don't have it mounted in there yet, still sitting on the floor.
It measures 59 1/2" wide at the axle flanges where the wheels mount. The axle tubes are 3 1/4" diameter.
BTW on the Explorer they come with a 31 spline axle. There's a lot of info on these axles on the internet, and they're a pretty popular upgrade for the Jeep crowd.
They're not as strong as the Ford 9" of course, but they're considered to be about equivalent strength to Chevy 12 bolt.

 

The Exploder axle just has the wrong wheel bolt pattern if you are staying stock.

 

I put a 2000 explore differential in mine and here is what it looks like with the rims mounted and fenders on. 15 inch rims and 225/70/15 tires. I love the way mine came out and can`t wait to drive it. I`m getting very close. Hope this helps.

 

explorer axle fits good

 

9" from an F100 has the same Right/Left axleshafts. 1957/67 is one type (28 spline), 1968/72 is another (28 or 31 spline-depending on if a 9" w/a 9 3/8" ring gear).

Econoline, Bronco and Passenger Car 9's have Right/Left specific axleshafts.

OP: What is the spline count of the axleshafts, what is the size of the brake shoes?

 

The housing is all I picked up. I had planned to build one of the 3rd members I have rolling around the spare parts bin and just buy a disk brake kit aftermarket.