Thread: Just some opinions about rear ends, please.

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In searching here and some other places, I found that a Maverick rear end should work well on the tudor Model A when swapping out all the original equipment. In looking at some Maverick measurements and Granada measurements, it seems either will work. I am thinking 1979-'84 as to the years necessary.

Any rate, I also came across an article addressing '77-'80 Lincoln Versailles. The author was not addressing putting it into a Model A Ford, but replacing the stock Maverick rear end. He says that, " the 77-80 Lincoln Versailles were based on the Granada, which, was based on the Maverick 4-door. This means that the rear leaf spacing is identical on these cars. What is unique about the Versailles, is that it combines the stongest rear end - the Ford 9-inch, with rear discs. This is absolutely the best rear end you can put in your Maverick at reasonable cost and effort." The site goes
on to discuss removal of the rear end and installation, so it is helpful in that manner as well.
The site is http://www.geocities.com/cping3/lincolnversailles.html

Will this rear fit well under a stock 1930 Ford tudor or is the Maverick a better fit for the A? My A will probably be fenderless (hi-boy), but I don't want a rear end sticking out from the body that requires a lot of backspacing of wheels to look right. I am planning on installing a pretty stock '79-'84 231 engine/tranny set up, so no neck-breaking take offs in the plans. Economy and just a good, dependable cruizer is what I am eventually hoping for.

Any ideas or thoughts as to what years I really should be looking for and what to expect, pricewise, when I hit the wrecking yards? I am in the planning stage, presently, but working on getting it together as to what all I will need. Anyone familiar with the Greenville, Tx. area to recommend any wrecking yards in particular. Maybe some in Rockwall or Garland?

Thanks,
Huey

It may fit.
The usual rear end width for the Model A and similar is 56" outer drum to outer drum - or the equivalent for a disc braked rear axle.
The 57 Ford 57 1/2" wide rear axle works well as does the equivalent width 8"** Ford rear axle.

Reason I say, "may fit" is that I've seen charts listing the Versailles rear axle as 57 1/2" wide as well as 58 1/2" wide.

Wheels with the usual 2 7/8" - 3" backspacing and not more than 7" wide fit under the fenders just fine when the 57 1/2" width rear axle is used.


However, as far as the Versailles is concerned, make sure you get all the little bits and pieces that are supposed to come with it because neither Ford - or anyone else - carries the small one-off parts.

My opinion is, you're better off with a 9" other than the Versailles.
They can be a hassle.

In fact, drum brakes are an excellent way to go plus they have a built in emergency brake which can really cut down on the headaches of trying to set up an E-brake on a disc brake rear.


** The 8" rear axle runs the same axles as the 28 spline - most common - 9" rear axle does.

I'm running a 28 spline 9" in a 32 Ford roadster with an engine rated at over 510# torque, fat and soft tires and no problems in 42,000 miles.
My friend runs an 8" under his mildly built 327 SBC powered 29 Model A roadster, has a bit of a lead foot and has had no problems.
About five years running that car for him.

C9x is absolutely right. If you want a Versailles rear, make sure you get it complete. If cost is a factor, consider this: IF you can find a Versailles rear, be prepared to pay somewhere in the range of $500 or more for it - they aren't real common. On the other hand, if an 8" rear will suit your needs, you should be able to pick one up for under $200. Drum brakes on the rear are fine for the street...