Rear end swap
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2006
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Rear end swap
Hi I am in the process of trying to find a rear end to put into my 49 M47, I have read the tech articles and was wondering if anyone has put in a shorter diff. I like the look of the big tires and am planning to do a little bit of tubbing to the box. I like the idea of the explorer rear end but think that I might need to find something a little bit narrower, I don't want to limit myself to special order wheels. If anyone has some pics or ideas of donors that would be greatly appreciated. Also putting in a fairly stock 302 so a 8.8 would be more than enough for me.
Thanks Chachi
Thanks Chachi
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, CA
This should keep you busy
Start by reading this thread.
I am posting a link where I added a bunch of 8.8 info:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...05#post3390005
My stuff starts at post #56 incase that link doesn't jump to it.
I am also going to add something tonight about the shock mounts.
Get the plates that go under the leaf springs when you get an Explorer axle. This is important because the axle tube is 3.5" diameter, you will need new U-bolts for the Explorer Axle.
What I did was to cut off the ears that stick out from these plates for the Explorer Shock mount. You also need to cut the back flange off somewhat, I totally cut mine off and trim this little cup thing in the center.
After that I can mount my original shock mount across the back two studs. Now I can use my original shocks, and the shock mounts that are on the frame. I don't know why I didn't realize this earlier. What I originally tried to do is heat the Explorer shock ears with my Oxy/Acet. torch and bend them. The problem is that they need to bend and twist and well I could never get it to work right. They would bind at some point.
Using the original mounts works like it used to pretty much.
There are new pictures in my Gallery.
I am posting a link where I added a bunch of 8.8 info:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...05#post3390005
My stuff starts at post #56 incase that link doesn't jump to it.
I am also going to add something tonight about the shock mounts.
Get the plates that go under the leaf springs when you get an Explorer axle. This is important because the axle tube is 3.5" diameter, you will need new U-bolts for the Explorer Axle.
What I did was to cut off the ears that stick out from these plates for the Explorer Shock mount. You also need to cut the back flange off somewhat, I totally cut mine off and trim this little cup thing in the center.
After that I can mount my original shock mount across the back two studs. Now I can use my original shocks, and the shock mounts that are on the frame. I don't know why I didn't realize this earlier. What I originally tried to do is heat the Explorer shock ears with my Oxy/Acet. torch and bend them. The problem is that they need to bend and twist and well I could never get it to work right. They would bind at some point.
Using the original mounts works like it used to pretty much.
There are new pictures in my Gallery.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Chachi,
You might look at an 8 inch Ford rear found in 65-66 Mustangs. They are about 4 inches narrower than the stock 9 inch, would hold up well under a stock 302, and have the 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern which makes finding wheels easier. If that's not narrow enough look at a 73-77 Maverick V8 rear end which is even narrower. Some Mavericks (mostly 71-72) have the four lug axles and the 7 1/4 inch rear with a rear cover. You don't want that one. But, some also have the four lug axles with an 8 inch (no rear cover). That one can be used by changing over to five lug axles.
Vern
You might look at an 8 inch Ford rear found in 65-66 Mustangs. They are about 4 inches narrower than the stock 9 inch, would hold up well under a stock 302, and have the 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern which makes finding wheels easier. If that's not narrow enough look at a 73-77 Maverick V8 rear end which is even narrower. Some Mavericks (mostly 71-72) have the four lug axles and the 7 1/4 inch rear with a rear cover. You don't want that one. But, some also have the four lug axles with an 8 inch (no rear cover). That one can be used by changing over to five lug axles.
Vern
