Just checking to see if anyone knows where I can find what I need. I would have liked to stick with the Dana 44 axle if I could find one, but thinking the 9" is more robust and easier to maintain or find parts for.
What I would need is a fully-rebuilt 9" axle with the correct width and bolt pattern for my 1954 Ford F-100, plus 48"-long leaf springs (straight line from eye to eye). Location should be as close to Kingston as possible, but will travel further for the right axle at the right price.
Worst-case scenario, I would also be willing to get an axle that needs to be rebuilt, but center-section would need to be free of any problems.
If you know of a good source for any of these, please let me know. Thanks!
I have a few rear Dana 44's. What width and ratio are you looking for.
I think the correct measurement for my truck is 61 1/4 inches flange-to-flange and, if your axle came out of a Ford truck, the bolt pattern should be 5 x 5 1/2 inches.
My other alternative, although the axle is not the correct one for the truck, would be to find just a center-section for a Dana 41 axle. That's the axle that's under the truck now and my center-section has broken parts in it, which is what led me to look for a Dana 44 or 9-inch complete axle.
Not sure what you're looking for in a rearend but heres some info.
Ford 9" rear ends first started in 1957 and were available in a variety of widths and configurations thru the years. I've had several Effies and helped many guys with the same problem. If you're looking for stock alternative, low cost and easy to install, your best alternative is to find a 57 to 72 truck rear end, from a 1/2 ton.
The spring perches are in the same location from 1948 right up to 72 so thats easy. The width is exactly the same, spring perches in same location, and so is the bolt pattern. The only difference is that the axle tubes are about 1/2 " larger diameter. You should be able to use the stock lower shock mount / U-bolt bracket by simply re-radiusing the mount to suit the larger diameter axle tube. The pinion is a little shorter so your driveshaft will come out of the tranny about an inch more but should be ok. If you're doing a engine trans swap you will likely need to cut a driveshaft anyways so you can cut to suit.
The beauty of these rears is that they are easier to change gears than stock as the pumpkin comes out the front and many ratios are available. The down side is that Ford has interchangability issues. There are big and small bearing rears, and 28 and 31 spline. As long as you stay with truck rears though you shouldnt have any problems.
Post 72 rears have the same spring mounts, wheel pattern and tube diameter. Only thing is they are about 4" wider.
I'll try to find an article I wrote on the subject and post it here later.
