cheap late model rear end for a Model A

Whats a cheap late model rear end for a Model A highboy? Something thats readily available in most junk yards? Not too wide.

I'm planning a low buck Model A highboy build. It'll have a mild Chevy SB in it.

 

Search and read lots on here. If that fails try a Ford Explorer rear.

 

S10

 

8.8 Ford. Can get them in 31 spline with a locker for around $200.00.

 

The 8.8 popped into my mind but the diff is offset 2". At least it is when under explorers and rangers. Not sure that would look good under a highboy. The 8.8 under an f150 or bronco would be too wide wouldn't it?

 

I'd recommend an 8" Ford axle assembly. Plenty of capacity for an SBC, looks better than the integral housing GM and Ford 8.8 and is likely a bit lighter in weight too. Comes in several widths and is generally quite a bit cheaper than Ford 9". Common gear ratios are fewer than found for 9" but it is easy to find 2.79/3.00/3.25.


Ray

 

i'm installing a ranger rear in a 27 T, it measurse 57-1/4" from axle flange to axle flange.

 

DING DING DING*

We got one lined up for an "A" right now. It's bout as good as it gets for "budget" stuff

 

If your worried about the offest you can shorten one side and even it up. Take the slack up with more tire
Lots of info on therangerstation.com

Goog'leee it also

 

they are offset,easy to trim the long side down & get a matching short axle to even em up--chuck

 

Anyone using a Toyota truck axle, the type that uses a third member? I think they look better than a 10/12 bolt or ford 8.8", and there are a bunch kicking around.

The early '79-'85 axles were 55" wide and the later '85-'95 axles around 58" wide.

 

This too, is a good idea.


Ray

 

Got one out of an '84 in my T roadster.

Bob

 

I've got a rear out of a '90 Ranger (7.5" ring gear) in my flathead powered '29 rpu. It measures 56" in width. I think they got a little wider around '93. A $40 craiglist buy. Yeah, I'm cheap. Well, actually building the flattie busted the budget.

Bob

 

There was a time when I would have suggested an 8 inch Ford, but they are getting a little scarce these days. An S10 seems to be the best deal around any more and go for between $100 and $200 in the junkyards. I just saw a Ranger rear at a swap meet the other day and he was asking only $ 50. I have an S10 rear with 3.70 gears that I was going to use in a project but didn't, and I only paid $ 125.00 for it.

So much depends on the width you want to end up at and the wheels you intend on running. The only way go get a good fit is to put the tires and wheels you will be running against the car, spaced out the right amount, and measure the wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface. When you have that dimension hit the swap meets and junkyards.

Don

 

I always use a Ford 8" from a Maverick. They are the perfect width and have a nice clean look. Just be caution that they made it in both four and five lug. Five lug 8" rears are always easy to find in a junkyard for me around $100 complete.

 

S10's work well in Model A's....

 

All you'll ever need:

http://www.carnut.com/specs/rear.html

I like the S-10.

 

60's ford bronco 9'' it's narrow and has 5 1/2 lug pattern like your model A, will match your front pattern

 

I used an S-10 in mine. Works fine.

 

Is the S10 and the Toyota 5 on 5 1/2 bolt pattern?

Frenchy

 

5 lug S-10 is 5 x 4 3/4" bolt circle.

Toyota is typically 5 on 4 1/2" with 4x4 versions 6 on 5 1/2 bolt circle.

Ray

 

S10 gets my vote behind a mild SB.
2WD axles are: 54"
4WD axles are 60"
Ratios are: 2:73, 3: 08, 3:23, 3:42, 3:73, 4:10
I've got a 3:73 in my garage if anyone needs one.

 

I gotta 8.8 out of a '94 Towncar or Crown Vic etc. Works great, stock width is right, has posi, disc brakes and around a 273 gear ratio. You can buy 'em all day long for under 2 hundred bucks. I can cruise all day long at 65-70 mph and lay rubber with a sbf in it.

 

What are you running on front for suspension/wheel combination. If the BP is 5x5.5 a Ford 150 truck RE will have the same pattern.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I appreciate it.

 

Any thoughts on the wheels? I always thought Cad wires from the fifties and Kelseys up front look good. These use GM rear ends with the 5 on 5 bolt pattern.

Charlie Stephens