Do the spring pocket in the frame kit if your going to narrow the rear. Then figure out how much to narrow.This will allow running deeper rims.

 

If mini tubs give you about two more inches per side, then 56 wide for the diff sounds about right. I would use a 12 bolt, Dana 60 or early Olds over a Ford 9, Drum brakes are all I need for the rear.

 

I have a 55 del ray with a worn out stock rear. It has a 350 base crate motor with a 350 trans. It will be used primarily for short runs around town and to car shows. I considered a 4 link conversion but don't think it's worth the investment since I won't be driving it hard through turns or at high speeds. I think a ford 9" with new springs and shocks will do what I need. The springs are pretty relaxed too so need replacing. Any thoughts on the mono leaf replacements? The one thing that I am considering is having the rear end housing shortened like 2 inches to allow for a deeper dish wheel. Has anyone out there done this and are there any problems with this setup? I also will be using disc brakes on the rear.

Thanks in advance for any input

I had Curry build me a 9" for my personal 55. It is not 2 " narrower, uses the oversize axles and went with a Eaton gear style posi (Locker). It bolted right in and came complete with brakes and a parking brake set up.

I did install Calvert Racing Traction Bars and love them.

Here is a short Video we built showing the unboxing and installation.

 

Robert, I've been thinking about going that route. Did you go direct through Currie? Does parking brake hook up to the factory system?

 

Ford Explorer with 2 short side axles is 56 5/8" wide and are plentiful and relatively cheap (and many late 90's, early 2000's had posi and disk brakes). Only one side to shorten instead of two. And a 57-58 Ford 9 inch is 57 1/4" so either of those would get you pretty close since the 57 axle is 60". Complicating factor is the bolt pattern on both is 4.5" and your car has 4.75" But way more economical.

I got a 12 bolt 3.08 open 69 Camaro rear (reputedly same width as 57 at 60") with 5 cars I bought and thought about keeping it for my 57. But they bring nearly a Grand in rebuilder shape around here and I have multiple 57-58 Ford rears and a 2000 Mountaineer 8.8 with posi and disk brakes, so I sold the twelve bolt. You can buy a lot of Explorer axles for what the Camaro 12 bolts go for...