Technical What rear axle

I’m building a 47 ford coupe looking for suggestions on what would be the best modern rear end to swap in it I’ve heard 2000 ford explorer would work
Looking for suggestions

 

A lot of people are using the Ford 8.8. They are strong, available in many ratios, Limited slips, disc brake versions, and quite a few widths. I think there is a chart on one of the Ford Ranger forums.

 

The truck open banjo rears are a great modern rear end
Tri 5 chevies are about 1/4 inch wider

 

Best fit are the early Broncos.

 

If you can find one.

 

The old Hotrod Works page says 42/48 rear axle is 61 inches wms to wms.
Still factors to consider:
bolt pattern matches what you intend to do for front hubs.
Wheels/ tire size and offset of said wheels that you intend to run.
Are you willing to tub it if you have to to accommodate a narrower rear axle?

 

^^^^ what he said. In addition to that, how much HP is planned, and how much pinion offset can you stand? At 61", Ford full size cars 64-71 are that width, and used mostly the 9" rear with no pinion offset. 1967-70 Mustangs are close, but mostly 8" rears with no offset as well. 1999-2003 Ford Explorer 8.8 offers disc brakes, but a bit narrow at 59" or so, and a 2" offset.

Edit: the 1994-2004 Mustang 8.8 is listed as 61.25" and IIRC, the pinion is centered.