I'm doing a frame off restore to my 55 f100, upgrading to a 351 and C4 trans, power Disk Brakes, new column T!@##$ power steering conversion, keeping the stock front-end and wanted to use/keep the stock rear-end? I was planning on using the stocker but noticed that the rear-end has a slight offset to the passenger side, was not sure if that will pose a problem or not. I researched the articles regarding which rear-end and I know that the best option was the 57-72 f100 but really wanted to use the stocker. Has anyone kept the stock rear-end? Any suggestions?

Thanks

David Miller.

 

The offset of the drive shaft to the right is common on truck rear ends. No problem. There is lots of room under a truck for the driveshaft to run at an angle and the offset allows the axles to be equal length. In a car, where the driveshaft needs to run down a tunnel, the axles are different lengths and the differential is offset to allow a straight line of the driveshaft.

The reason a lot of people change out to a 9-inch rear end (from the truck years you mentioned) is because they are pretty much bulletproof and there is a huge selection of gear ratios available for them. If you warm up that windsor very much and stand on it regularly, you may find the 55 stock rear end too weak to handle the hp. The your engine is basically stock, you should be fine.

Happy driving!

 

You might also want to check the rearend ratio to determine if it will perform like you want, both city and highway.

 

If you do any highway driving with that 351 and C4 you WILL want to change out the rear end. The original is probably strong enough but you will not be satisfied with the ratio. You will want something in the 3:00 to 3:50 range and your original is probably in the 4's.

Vern