my 55 project
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2006
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I just added two pics to my gallery. I need help locating two replacement brackets. Its the rear crossmember. Its three peice crossmember and just need to replace the two brackets. PLEASE VEIW!!!
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2006
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hey all, just came in from garage. posted new pics.
So, far I have the frame work primer, and reassembled. What a big difference. Now I am at little bit of a stand still until I obtain a rear, and then its on wheels. Hope you enjoy!
So, far I have the frame work primer, and reassembled. What a big difference. Now I am at little bit of a stand still until I obtain a rear, and then its on wheels. Hope you enjoy!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 956
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From: Bend, Oregon
Someone has alot of free time...I'm envious! Looks real good. A frame off really is the way to go, Even if A daily driver is what you want, At first I just wanted to drive my '54 around get it on the road, NOW, due to this site...ya your all to blame, I can't even think of just throwing a coat of paint on it and calling it good, Its got to be done right, It diserves to be done correctly! again nice job!
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2006
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OK question.
I can get a rear axle off a windstar dirt cheep. Its a 8". I know I should have a 9" but this is at my finger tips pretty cheep.
My question if I put this in the 55 will this axle any issues as far as weight is concerned. My thinking is an windstar is alot lighter then a 55 F100.
Looking for sugestions
I can get a rear axle off a windstar dirt cheep. Its a 8". I know I should have a 9" but this is at my finger tips pretty cheep.
My question if I put this in the 55 will this axle any issues as far as weight is concerned. My thinking is an windstar is alot lighter then a 55 F100.
Looking for sugestions
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1
windstar was front wheel drive I thought? 
Aerostar is rear wheel. The 4.0 OHV engine ones had an 8.8 rear axle. I do not know if they are the correct width, but they should be plenty strong. They are mounted on coil springs though. There are some threads in here about them, but I don't know of anyone using one.
Check the Articles link at the top of the page for info on what will fit.
Aerostar is rear wheel. The 4.0 OHV engine ones had an 8.8 rear axle. I do not know if they are the correct width, but they should be plenty strong. They are mounted on coil springs though. There are some threads in here about them, but I don't know of anyone using one.
Check the Articles link at the top of the page for info on what will fit.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
How do you plan to use your truck? If it's just a cruiser (no drag racing or burnouts), and you aren't going to be hauling heavy loads, an 8 inch will be stong enough. I would be concerned with the width of an Aerostar since most vans have a wide rear end so if you go that route measure carefully. I'm using a Chrysler rear out of an 87 5th Avenue which is a good width for my 48 and because it was free...but it has a very tall ratio. If you want to stick with a 5 on 4.5 pattern, a Chrysler, Jeep, or Ford passenger car rear is what you want. There are a lot of Jeep Cherokees in salvage yards and those rear ends are cheap if you're looking for something inexpensive. 
Vern
Vern
Last edited by GreatNorthWoods; Apr 26, 2006 at 08:11 AM.
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today was a surprise. I got a 80 full fize van with a 6.6L 400cu in engine with 56,000 miles. I have to remove the engine an trans but the price was right. I am still up in arms about a rear. I was mistaken about the windstar rear. in fact it is an aerostar. I am now offered a 9" rear that it two inches longer plate to plate. I am thinking that this will push out the tires 1 or 2 inches. Acording to our state inspection "laws" (tires cannot exceed two inches outside the wheel wells. So I am thinking this will be OK. Again I am undecided but have to make a decission soon if I wanna keep on the pace.
Well thats where I am at right now I am working on the rear axle assembly.
Well thats where I am at right now I am working on the rear axle assembly.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
If the nine inch is only 2 inches wider than the original rear you could make that up using wheels with more inset. What you should measure is the distance from the wheel mounting flange to wheel mounting flange. This will include the brake drums. Later rear ends often have wider brake drums due to bigger brakes and that may increase the overall width more than you can offset with wheels. Is the 9 inch out of the 80 van or something else?
Vern
Vern
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 72
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From: Washington
Well done sir. Where do you stop is the classic question. My 56 resto I'm guess'n is the lowest possible? I may pose this question. Currently my drivetrain is out and being "patched up". The body work is next.
Keep up the good work.
ED
Keep up the good work.
ED
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Freshman User
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UPDATE!!!
today i received a rear axle. I went with a 9" rear. Its off of a 82 F250, price was good. I will post a pic when day light is better. I am not sure what gears are in it I will have to look that up.
I do have one question. The rear has a sway bar on it. Does anyone think I should keep that on or will it be OK without it. I am not sure what I want to do.
today i received a rear axle. I went with a 9" rear. Its off of a 82 F250, price was good. I will post a pic when day light is better. I am not sure what gears are in it I will have to look that up.
I do have one question. The rear has a sway bar on it. Does anyone think I should keep that on or will it be OK without it. I am not sure what I want to do.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Absolutely, keep the anti-sway bar if you can. It will help handling considerably. Also, consider adding a front one. I'm running both and front and rear bar in my 48. By the way, the F-250 rear has an 8 lug pattern. I'm not sure you want that pattern on an F-100 unless you plan to to with 8 lug front. 
Vern
Vern
Last edited by GreatNorthWoods; May 5, 2006 at 07:20 AM.