Rear End Front End Bolt Pattern struggles
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Rear End Front End Bolt Pattern struggles
Just getting started on the re-build, have everything stripped down to the frame.
In my '56 I have a Cordoba Front end with Gibbons cross member, but really don't know what's in the back. It's a Ford 9" for sure, large bearing on the axles (Lincoln Mark IV ??). Problem is I have 5x4.5 on front, and 5x5 bolt pattern out back. Can't redrill the back, too many holes there already, any ideas on what the easiest fix would be? I like the set up but don't want different bolt patterns.
Any thoughts are much appreciated.
In my '56 I have a Cordoba Front end with Gibbons cross member, but really don't know what's in the back. It's a Ford 9" for sure, large bearing on the axles (Lincoln Mark IV ??). Problem is I have 5x4.5 on front, and 5x5 bolt pattern out back. Can't redrill the back, too many holes there already, any ideas on what the easiest fix would be? I like the set up but don't want different bolt patterns.
Any thoughts are much appreciated.
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: PA, North of Pittsburgh
I think you can buy adapters that bolt to your existing bolt pattern and have 5 new studs sticking out to create a different pattern. I think they are sold in packs of 2 and you can even get them wider if you need to run a spacer for your setup. I think they are about $125 or $150 per set. I think I have seen them on ebay and they are made from aluminum
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Pflugerville, tx
easiest? best? look for some different axles with the right pattern..
adapters only work up to a point.. (I know, I plan to use them if I don't find a different 9in rear. ) I have them installed..
Sam
adapters only work up to a point.. (I know, I plan to use them if I don't find a different 9in rear. ) I have them installed..
Sam
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
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From: Pflugerville, tx
car rears are 5x4.5 - usually
truck rears are 5x5 or 5x5.5
Sam
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Different lengths. Driver side axle is 29.5", passenger side is 32.125" measured from outer edge of flange to spline end. Housing is 58.5". I've been trying to figure out what donor vehicle might have the 5x4.5 pattern and these lengths. No luck so far.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,041
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From: Sterling CO
If you have rims that are 5 on 4.5" or 5 on 5.5", and don't want to buy new rims that also plays into account... what are you wanting when you are finished - 4.5" all around?
Easiest would be adapters... not the best things safety and stress wise (wider load on a non-floating axle means more wear on bearings).
2nd easiest would be a 9" rear end swap, like for like just 5.5" for 4.5" (see below)
swapping only the axles is a bit more work, and could have a heck of a time getting the right size.... do you like the ratio that it has, do you want to get a better road gear (these trucks had brawling low end, but didn't go over 55 at red line)...
I would suggest you get a 9" rear end from a (very select) list of cars - here's the creme de la creme of articles:
1948 through 1960 Ford F-1 and F-100 Rear Axle (differential) Swaps .: Articles
Easiest would be adapters... not the best things safety and stress wise (wider load on a non-floating axle means more wear on bearings).
2nd easiest would be a 9" rear end swap, like for like just 5.5" for 4.5" (see below)
swapping only the axles is a bit more work, and could have a heck of a time getting the right size.... do you like the ratio that it has, do you want to get a better road gear (these trucks had brawling low end, but didn't go over 55 at red line)...
I would suggest you get a 9" rear end from a (very select) list of cars - here's the creme de la creme of articles:
1948 through 1960 Ford F-1 and F-100 Rear Axle (differential) Swaps .: Articles
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Guys, thanks for all help. I don't have any rims yet, and don't really have a preference of 5" vs 4.5". Really just trying to get to a solution to have the same front to back. I'ts probably a rear end swap, and hopefully I can find one that fits as nicely as this one, with the spring mounts and shocks falling right in line. Otherwise I'd have to have axles made and that's a little pricey for this project.
Did wonder if a Cordoba front could be changed to the 5x5? Haven't checked into that one. Thanks, Mike
Did wonder if a Cordoba front could be changed to the 5x5? Haven't checked into that one. Thanks, Mike
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From: Huntsville, Al
Just getting started on the re-build, have everything stripped down to the frame.
In my '56 I have a Cordoba Front end with Gibbons cross member, but really don't know what's in the back. It's a Ford 9" for sure, large bearing on the axles (Lincoln Mark IV ??). Problem is I have 5x4.5 on front, and 5x5 bolt pattern out back. Can't redrill the back, too many holes there already, any ideas on what the easiest fix would be? I like the set up but don't want different bolt patterns.
Any thoughts are much appreciated.
In my '56 I have a Cordoba Front end with Gibbons cross member, but really don't know what's in the back. It's a Ford 9" for sure, large bearing on the axles (Lincoln Mark IV ??). Problem is I have 5x4.5 on front, and 5x5 bolt pattern out back. Can't redrill the back, too many holes there already, any ideas on what the easiest fix would be? I like the set up but don't want different bolt patterns.
Any thoughts are much appreciated.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,041
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From: Sterling CO
Go through that article I linked and pay close attention at the "just right" section.... not limited to the 9", you can get a very new 8.8" with disc, then you would have 4.5 and disc all the way around
Hotshot
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From: Pflugerville, tx
that is a GREAT! Idea..
Sam
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I have a 3 speed TH400 tranny so I'm looking for a pretty low ratio gearing 3.0 or lower to keep the RPM down. Changing to an explorer rear end might work, have to check the gear ratio.
I like changing the fronts to 5" if it's just a rotor and bearing change, heck i have all that completely off the car now anyway, putting in new ball joints and idler arm. If I can make that work with the existing calipers, I'd be all set.
Choices are good.
Mike
I like changing the fronts to 5" if it's just a rotor and bearing change, heck i have all that completely off the car now anyway, putting in new ball joints and idler arm. If I can make that work with the existing calipers, I'd be all set.
Choices are good.
Mike
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From: Huntsville, Al
When I ran Round Track you had to think outside the box for every Race LOL!!
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