I.D. this rear end?

[Jeff Norwell]

These shots are from my parts car..... definitely not a ford 9.... the rear plate unbolts like a Chev....but I am thinking its a late Ford or Mopar..... the wheels are stock 14 inch Ford factory items....... what's investing is all the stock perches and such bolt up to the Ford hardware.....
Any ideas?

[petew]

Shape of the cover plate looks like a Dana 40 like what you would find in a 55 or 56 Tbird.

[Jeff Norwell]

Mmmmm interesting.....  a 55 or 56 Bird shared the same rear width?... i did not know that.....thanks!

[Hoosier Hurricane]

Jeff, the Dana 44 was not only used in the Birds as mentioned, but also in 49-56 wagons, police cars, pickup trucks, 49-51 Mercs (though wider than Fords).  Would it have been possible that Canadian built '57s could have had leftover '56 rear ends?   John

[Jeff Norwell]

John... very possible.... but this parts came with the Dirty Bird purchase(Iowa).... The Dirty Bird(what I call it).. was originally born in Dallas.....I have not decoded the vin on the parts car as of yet.
At any rate,,, I do believe it is a 55 or 56 Bird rear....  not really worth much except to a restorer.
Canadian cars did receive a ton of left overs.. in fact the flathead was used here in 54 after the flathead ceased production in 53 in the States.