Need help choosing a rear end.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 369
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From: Rochester, NY, USA
Need help choosing a rear end.
OK, I need some help choosing a rear end for my '53. I had just made up my mind and decided to go with a late model Explorer rear when I noticed that the wheels that I want to go with don't come in the 5-4.5 bolt pattern. They only come in 5-5 and 5-5.5 bolt pattern.
Is there a rear end that exists that is approximately 60" wide has 5-5 or 5-5.5 bolt pattern and has disc brakes? Oh, I also forgot to mention that I'm really cheap and don't want to spend much money.
I know I'm not asking for much so I'm sure one of the resident FTE experts will be able to help me out. Thanks for your help - Brad
Is there a rear end that exists that is approximately 60" wide has 5-5 or 5-5.5 bolt pattern and has disc brakes? Oh, I also forgot to mention that I'm really cheap and don't want to spend much money.
I know I'm not asking for much so I'm sure one of the resident FTE experts will be able to help me out. Thanks for your help - Brad
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
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From: Riverside, So Cal
Read (and print) the "sticky" article above titled "1948-60 F1 and F100 rear axle swaps". It is the most comprehensive look at the subject I have ever seen and is the result of a collaberation of the best experts (FTE guys) on the subject. Put plenty of paper in the printer.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Central New York
Need help choosing a rear end.
Brad:
The 60s through 72 Ford F100 rear ends will fit your '53 (61.25 in. wide), and they have the 5-5 bolt pattern you are looking. I have acquired four of these, two which I will be using in projects (1956 f100 panel, 1949 f1). I have two rebuilders available for sale. If the Rochester you have listed is New York, I live in south central New York. Send me an e-mail if you are interested.
Fran
The 60s through 72 Ford F100 rear ends will fit your '53 (61.25 in. wide), and they have the 5-5 bolt pattern you are looking. I have acquired four of these, two which I will be using in projects (1956 f100 panel, 1949 f1). I have two rebuilders available for sale. If the Rochester you have listed is New York, I live in south central New York. Send me an e-mail if you are interested.
Fran
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Central New York
Several of the guys on this Ford Forum have successfully done that BUT, the access hole for the retainer plate bolts will have to be welded over and in the future you will have to access the bolts with a box end wrench (which is a pain but not a show stopper). I originally planned to have my axles and drums drilled but decided to pull the drivers side axle out of a late 70s, full size Ford or Merc. The drivers side axle in these cars is shorter than the passenger side axle. The drivers side axles are 30 inches long with 28 splines. I had to split the bearing retainer to remove the bearing and smaller car retainer plate to use the trucks larger retainer plate, but all assembled well. I got lucky and found junk yard drums with the 4.5 lug pattern to sandblast and resurface.
ZZ
ZZ
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 369
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From: Rochester, NY, USA
Thanks for the info guys,
I am looking for factory disc brakes and I've decided to scrap my #1 wheel choice and go with the explorer rear. It's just easier that way.
PS - I am in Rochester NY.
I am looking for factory disc brakes and I've decided to scrap my #1 wheel choice and go with the explorer rear. It's just easier that way.
PS - I am in Rochester NY.
