I am in the process of searching for a donor vehicle to swap the engine, transmission, and rear end into a 1947 Ford Pickup. I have been looking for a mustang or explorer with a 5.0. I've noticed that the early to mid 90's thunderbirds had the 5.0 in them and are easy to find for cheap. From what I've found, the rear end in a 91-97 t bird is an 8.8. But it looks like the bolt pattern is 5x4.25 vs 5x4.5 in a mustang or an explorer. I'll be swapping a kit like this onto the front to upgrade the brakes: http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Disc-...-Early-Ford-Spindle-5-on-4-1-2-Inch,4575.html But I can't find anything that swaps the bolt pattern to 5x4.25. Should I hold out and find a mustang or explorer rear end? Any ideas?
I believe the T-Bird of that vintage has independent rear suspension. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Yeah I guess I was misreading an article. Are there other vehicles with a good rear end to swap into a 47 truck that also have a good engine? I am worried about width issues on an f150.
Is the Ford passenger car wheel bolt pattern a must? A my blacksmith used a first-generation Bronco 9" rear, I believe. Either way, you might be better off sourcing an engine and axle separately. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Yes, I can source an engine and axle sperately if need be. I was just hoping to get it all in one package. If that's not practical, then I don't mind piecing it together. A 9 inch rear would be great. Like I said, I am unsure about the width of the axle on say a bronco or f150 compared to my truck. How would that work?
Oh ok. So I can source an early truck 9 inch rearend and use the 5.0 out of later model truck or car and I would be good to go? How easy are those 9 inch rearends to find?
Awesome info. Thank you everyone. I was informed that my post is in violation of H.A.M.B. Rules because this forum is for period specific restorations only, no parts past 1965. So I apologize. I will re-read the rules and make sure I am not in violation again.
There's about 300 threads on various rearend swaps on this board, not sure why yours got flagged. I'd look on craigslist first. I just saw one go for $150.