59 t-bird differential

[jopizz]

Tommy,

You're Welcome. Any time.

John

[RustyNCa]

Since we are all talking about the 9" rear end, does anyone know the measurement of the rear end brake drum face to face? And the width of the spring perches?

I'm thinking of pulling the 9 out from under the 59 in my yard to replace the rear end in the Dodge Truck. It's some strange old rear end with spindle mounted style hubs on the axle?

Thanks
RustyNCA

[ncbird]

According to ultrastang site 52 3/4 flange to flange and 36" for distance between spring perchs. Most 9" appear to be wider and the perchs 43" apart. Again the ultrastang sits has somd really good 9" info

[Guest]

59 t-bird differential

Hi All, John you were right on the money with 28 spline and 3-/16 carrier bearings. Good news is I have a great working trac-lok. Bad news is when we took it apart the pinion pilot bearing was wobbling but it was 20 degrees outside and just as cold inside working in a 12x 18 dirt floor garage we just put it together. Now when I give it gas it is making noise let off it stops. I have been told you can't change pilot bearing without removing pumpkin. Do you know if that is true if I have to remove I am going to put in 3.50 gears will that make a difference from 3.10 or should I put 3.70 gears. Thanks in advance Tommy" I hope this doesn't come up twice I had it all typed in and then it said I didn't log in, but I did so if it comes up twice I apologize.

[Guest]

59 t-bird differential

Tommy,

You're Welcome. Any time.

John

Hi John, thanks for your great info. John I'm not sure if I post if you get to see so I would like your opinion on my last post, about changing pinion pilot bearing and what gear ratio would be good for my 390. I have 3.10 now and don't know if I should go 3.50 or 3.70. I don't do a lot of highway but will be doing some, and will I feel difference from 3.10-3.50. Thanks Tommy"

[jopizz]

Tommy,

The differential is not really my area of expertise. That's one of the jobs I usually leave to a pro. Hopefully someone else here can answer your questions. Have you searched some of the past threads. I'm sure gear changes have been discussed before.

John

[Guest]

59 t-bird differential

Tommy,

The differential is not really my area of expertise. That's one of the jobs I usually leave to a pro. Hopefully someone else here can answer your questions. Have you searched some of the past threads. I'm sure gear changes have been discussed before.

John

Thanks John I'll check and see what I can find. I know you sure knew what you were talking about as far as bearing and spline size and I sure appreciate it. You saved my butt. Tommy"

[RustyNCa]

Hi John, thanks for your great info. John I'm not sure if I post if you get to see so I would like your opinion on my last post, about changing pinion pilot bearing and what gear ratio would be good for my 390. I have 3.10 now and don't know if I should go 3.50 or 3.70. I don't do a lot of highway but will be doing some, and will I feel difference from 3.10-3.50. Thanks Tommy"

Go punch some numbers into this calculator. It will give you an idea of what various gear changes will do.

http://www.angelfire.com/fl/procrastination/rear.html

[simplyconnected]

Rear end gear changes offer the most torque for the money. It's easy to get carried away, though. Much of this depends on your type of driving, how economy-minded you are, and how much low-end torque you really need.

I have a 4.30:1 gear in my Mustang (8.8) axle. It pulls stumps, but the car is in 2nd before passing under the light. I'm able to use a low gear because the trans is an overdrive (AOD).

For a conventional 3-speed auto, I would be comfy at 3.70:1 for mostly city driving with occasional interstate highway trips. Many street machines had 3.90:1, but gas would kill you and the engine screams doing 70 mph. You will feel a VAST difference from 3.10 to 3.70.

Here's your axle components showing Ford's Group Numbers:


I divided this illustration into two sheets. Download each and paste them together:
CLICK HERE for the LH side
CLICK HERE for the RH side

May I suggest, if you are changing gears, at the same time replace any bad bearings, wash the insides thoroughly with kerosene or mineral spirits and reassemble with all new gaskets and seals. - Dave

[Guest]

59 t-bird differential

Go punch some numbers into this calculator. It will give you an idea of what various gear changes will do.

http://www.angelfire.com/fl/procrastination/rear.html

Hi RustyNCa; Wow what a great site. I just found out I can change the pinion pilot bearing from the front, so I don't have to take out the 3rd member. Thanks so much for all the great info. Tommy"

[Guest]

59 t-bird differential

Rear end gear changes offer the most torque for the money. It's easy to get carried away, though. Much of this depends on your type of driving, how economy-minded you are, and how much low-end torque you really need.

I have a 4.30:1 gear in my Mustang (8.8) axle. It pulls stumps, but the car is in 2nd before passing under the light. I'm able to use a low gear because the trans is an overdrive (AOD).

For a conventional 3-speed auto, I would be comfy at 3.70:1 for mostly city driving with occasional interstate highway trips. Many street machines had 3.90:1, but gas would kill you and the engine screams doing 70 mph. You will feel a VAST difference from 3.10 to 3.70.

Here's your axle components showing Ford's Group Numbers:


I divided this illustration into two sheets. Download each and paste them together:
CLICK HERE for the LH side
CLICK HERE for the RH side

May I suggest, if you are changing gears, at the same time replace any bad bearings, wash the insides thoroughly with kerosene or mineral spirits and reassemble with all new gaskets and seals. - Dave

Thanks Dave; great illustration now that I know I don't have to pull 3rd member to change pinion pilot it's going to stay a 3.10 rear. Still plenty of power and great on highway. My buddy has a 3.50 and it is tempting but right now these old bones says NO.LOL" Tommy"

[Dakota Boy]

Richmond has a nice gear calculator as well. I used their "street performance" calculator when I picked my gear ratio.

http://richmondgear.com/index.php/gear-transmission-calculators

I ended up picking a 3.50 ratio to pair up with my 28" diameter rear tires.

[Guest]

59 t-bird differential

Richmond has a nice gear calculator as well. I used their "street performance" calculator when I picked my gear ratio.

http://richmondgear.com/index.php/gear-transmission-calculators

I ended up picking a 3.50 ratio to pair up with my 28" diameter rear tires.

Thanks Dakota, Is that your 58 with 460? If so that is a beautiful ride. I bet she can haul. I'm going to stay with the 3.10 if I wasn't able to change pilot bearing and had to pull 3rd member then I would go with 3.50.

[Dakota Boy]

Yes, it has a 460; but it is fairly tame right now. Upgrades are in order, but my money tree has to grow for awhile first.

[Guest]

59 t-bird differential

Yes, it has a 460; but it is fairly tame right now. Upgrades are in order, but my money tree has to grow for awhile first.

Lol" I know about the $$$ tree mine stopped producing. Oh I'm just going slow a little at a time. I just want to get it to where I feel comfortable driving it and not having to worry about breaking down. Problem is winter is in and it's a tuff go. I just want to have it running good for this summer. I really like your 58 tame or not it's a beauty. Take care Tommy"