Thread: used rearends?

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I'm in the planning/budgeting process for a deuce highboy project. Rather than go with the new expensive 8 or 9" ford replica rearends I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for a used rearend that drops right into a deuce. I want to know what to search for in the junkyards. I was driving to work today and was noticing what looked like all the nice rearends on pickup trucks and SUVs. Are small pickup rearends strong enough to put behind a 350 chevy? Some look narrow enough. I just keep thinking there must be millions of OK rim to rim rearends just sitting out there. Suggestions?

Look for a Ford Maverick. They come with the narrowest 8" rear end that Ford made, about 56.5 inches from flange to flange. Generally these are open differentials with 2.79 or 3.0 gears. Another option this a Ford Explorer. I think they are 58.5 or 59 inchers. Neat thing about them is after 95 they have disk brakes. Also many of them have Traction-Lok and either 3.55 or 3.73 gear ratio. Another one I have seen folks using is the S-10, but I don't have dimensions or specifics on those.

I think any of these should hold up in a light vehicle with up to 350-400 hp.

Pat

I have used 57 Ford & early Mustangs. There is a web site that gives these dimensions....I'll try to find it.

http://www.dfwmotorsport.com/Fairlane/9inchrearends.htm

Does anyone know where I can find the specs on a 58 TBird rear axle? Is it an 8" or 9" and do they come with a limited slip diff?
I am looking for a limited slip for an 8" Ford and I found this 58 TBird but I couldn't jack it up to check the rear end while I was there and I hate to drive all the way back there if there is no way it has what I need.
Thanks,
Jerry...

I don't believe the first 8" came before '63. The Bird is more likely a 9", but don't recall for sure.

my 1997 s-10 has 7.5 ring gear but thats mighty small. its a 4.10 gear with posi traction but i dont think it would stand a lot abuse .