I got a '50 F-1 that's had some work done (but still needs a lot more) and I was looking at the rear axle and the only thing I can find was a 53 in the spot where the model number would be. I've never heard of a dana/spicer 53. Anyone have any info on this? I've tried a few searches online but I've come-up empty.

 

1948/56 F100's used Spicer (now Dana) 44's. Cars used 44's from 1949/56.

Originally your rear axle would have had a metal ID tag on it with ratio and other info. 44's have a ten bolt cover. The ID tag was at roughly 8-9 o'clock on the cover.

 

I don't think it's the original rear end. the "53" was stamped into the lower right side of the housing. I'll try to post a pic tonight when I get home

 

Some ***** trucks used a Spicer 53 rear axles.

48 - Early 51 used a Spicer 41
Late 51 - 56 used a Dana 44

 

Spicer 41? Didn't know that.

Did a part number comparison between the two.

The 41 uses a different housing, cover gasket and ring and pinion.

Axle shafts, bearings, shims, washers, seals, companion flange are the same as a Spicer 44.


1948/56 Truck Parts Catalog. Rear axle parts lists: 59, 60, 65.

 

Here's the housing part numbers Bill if your curious:

Spicer 41 - 8C-4010-B
Dana 44 - 1C-4010-A

 

Here's the diffy cases...

41 = 8M-4205-A

44 = 1M-4205-A

FYI: Studebaker cars and 1/2 pickups used 44's from 1940's thru 1966. In South Bend, Indiana, there a place that has NOS parts for these rear ends = SASCO. Need any Studie p/n's? I have the parts catalogs. Another place is Studebaker International, in Greenfield, Indiana.

 

here's a pic, the "53" is in the lower right corner of the housing

 

I haven't opened it up yet. but when I do how can I find out what the ratio is. count the teeth on the ring gear and pinion? if I measure the ring gear what sizes are the 44 and the 53

 

There should be a number stamped in the ring gear and I think the size is 9 1/4".