1956 - Rear End Swap from Mustang

[jadozzo]

Hello All!

We just bought a 56 T-Bird in excellent driver condition, 312 with 3spd/Overdrive. Not a show car but looks and drives very well.

I'm contemplating some serious work, like a disc brake upgrade, 351W/AOD and a beefier rear end to go with the power upgrade. I think this could be a real sleeper!

Does anyone know if I can swap in the 8in rear from a 69 Mustang? Or is there a better choice?

Many thanks!

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[74 Harley]

The Dana 44 that should be under it is quite capable of handling a 351.
If you are dead set on replacing it use a 9 inch.

 

[George Ford]

The dana 44 is used in Dodge viper and other high HP applications. My 55 Bird has a 393w 470hp my Dana has held up for many years.

 

[jadozzo]

Very interesting and great picture!

The Dana 44 looks almost tiny under the car. My 351 build is actually a 427 stroker with some custom SBF hemi heads and should make close to 600hp on the dyno. I may just clean it and drive it with the Dana for a while - sounds like it will be ok under normal use.

Many thanks!

 

[SHA BOP]

Great photo. Thank you!

Our early Birds were designed after the 53 212/225 Ferrari. The 55 Birds were almost hand built to get them out to compete with the Corvette. It is a great story that every early Bird owner will enjoy. I believe this is one of the reasons I am so fond of my 70 year old Bird and I try to keep it stock. It is not as beautiful as the Ferrari that it was designed after but some of the lines are there.

How Ferrari helped Ford create the Thunderbird (before their rivalry)

Before Ferrari and Ford were rivals, they were connected in surprising ways. Explore the fascinating story of how a Ferrari may have helped inspire the Ford Thunderbird.

rossoautomobili.com

The Ferrari 212/225 Inter Barchetta chassis 0253EU​