medicpg,

'rage raises some very good points. With a later drivetrain and the fact that this is not a stocker, you're really not going to be happy with the stock rear end.

Here's some alternatives for a wrecking yard rear end -

" My 54 F100 measures 55” wide between the two narrowest points on the backing plates. The flange to flange measurement (drum face to drum face) is 61 Ό”. Based upon my “research”, these rear ends will work;

1. 1957 –1972 F100 9” heavy duty - 5 on 5 ½” bolt pattern
Bolts right in without moving spring pads.
Measures 61 Ό” flange to flange
To switch to the 5 on 4 ½” car bolt pattern - Use two driver’s side axles, both side backing plates and drums from 72-79 Torino, Ranchero, LTD II or 77-79 T-bird or Cougar on/in the truck axle housing. See more detailed discussion on this in the 48-60 Ford truck forum on FTE.

Above is the number 1 choice for ease of installation , price and availability.
It doesn’t get any easier than this.

2. 1971 – 73 Mustang & Cougar. 9” , but lightest duty of the 9” family. (Watch out, they also came with 8" as well)
Have the 5 on 4 ½” pattern
Measures 60” flange to flange
Measures 54 – 55” backing plate to backing plate.

Comes with both 28 spline axles (weaker) and 31 spline axles (stronger)
Oval hole in outer end of axle = 28 spline
2 large holes and counter-sunk center = 31 spline

Above is probably number 2 choice for ease of installation and price.



3. 1989 – 2001 - Ford Explorer – 59 Ό - ½” flange to flange.
All explorer rear ends are the same 5 on 4 ½” bolt pattern.
8.8” rear end - come with 3.25, 3.55, 3.73 and 4.11 gears.
89-94 = drum brakes only.
94-97 = drum or disc. brakes
97-01 = disc. Brakes only
Can use an 8” rim with 3 ½” backspacing and P235/75R-15 tires

Above is probably number 3 choice for ease of installation and price.


4. 1989 Lincoln Mark VII (per F100Connection.com)
(bolt pattern unknown by the author.)
Dimensions unknown by me.


5. 1968 – 1971 Torino/Fairlane/Montego – 9” but medium duty
Measures 56 – 57” backing plate to backing plate


6. 1960-64 Ford Galaxie 9” medium duty
Measures 54” flange to flange ?


7. 1979 Ford F100 is “ a little wide” but apparently is supposed to fit


8. 1970 –79 Ranchero/Torino 9” high performance version
Measures 56” axle tube to axle tube. "

I went with #2 but wish I'd gone with #3.....

Later,