in 56 the 3.73 was the optional rear end, most came with the 3.92
for y blocks to sound great you have to run Smithy's mufflers and dual exhaust
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pte-h3010
I'm running a 2.72 rear gear in the original rear end, to do this swap you have to start with the 3.73 rear end carrier as the 2.72 ring gear wont fit on a 3.92 and up carrier. Makes for nice cruising and 20 mpg

 

I vote leave it all original. Very few of these girls out there which are in that great of shape.

 

Scott, I never doubted you about your rear being a 3.73. I just never knew that it was an ootion. Just be glad you don't have a 3.92!

Kevin, thanks for enlightening me about 56 rear options. Old dogs can earn new tricks.

 

Kevin, how would a '54 239 Y-block with a Smitty's muffler sound with single exhaust? Just wondering.....

 

Scott, I love your mirrors and your short mirror arms. I have only seen one other short arm like that. Does anyone know if one could order arms of different lengths or if long ones were cut down to size? Here are some I have:
The arms on my truck when I bought it from my Grandpa:


A spare I have:


The only other short one I have ever seen. I bought it on ebay:


My truck today. I made the arms the same length as the original ones. The passenger side is longer.

 

Abe, I like our mirrors better then the stainless/chrome round ones. I've been looking everywhere for a spare set myself. By the way I love the ruler. Where did you find that?

 

Abe, I know you didn't doubt the gearing, just showing the option. 😄

 

I got it on eBay.

 

Leo, you still have the great stock 56?

If you still check in here give us an update and some more pictures.

 

Yep I still have it. Haven't driven it hardly at all its been sitting in my heated / AC garage relaxing. I have been so busy I don't get around driving it much. I took it to the store and breakfast a few weeks ago but that's been it for awhile. I w been considering selling it if the price is right.

 

send me a pm if you really want to sell

 

Yep I still have it. Haven't driven it hardly at all its been sitting in my heated / AC garage relaxing. I have been so busy I don't get around driving it much. I took it to the store and breakfast a few weeks ago but that's been it for awhile. I w been considering selling it if the price is right.
i also have a ton of NOS parts.
-2 NOS Rear drums.
-1 NOS bed side.
-1 damn near brand new take off tail gate that looks like it was removed in the 50s. It's an original ford tail gate.
- Both rear fenders damn near new also take offs from back in the 50s original ford parts. They look brand new.
- some new hot rod Y block parts. NOS Edelbrock Tri power intake, 50s original Edelbrock valve covers, Mermert ram horn exhaust manifold brand new. Stromberg carbs brand new.
- Nice used 56 white grille.
- both NOS ford chrome mirrors.
- Many Dennis carpenter parts and pieces.
Basically I was at one point going to restore it but decided not to because it's so original and in great shape. But I also started buying anything NOS I ran across.

 

My vote is to keep it original, it`s a rare beauty.

 

I would leave it as is. Remember it can only be original once.

 

Guys sorry but this thread is almost 1.5 years old lol. I decided to leave it alone and I'm considering selling it. I have a lot going on and between my GT350 Shelby and my Norton motorcycle and other trucks I just don't have time. I keep them all stored in a heated / AC garage and love them all like children lol.