I know where there is a 9 inch under a 57 Ranchero. This thing was set up for drag racing back in the late 60's, and had a lot suspension stuff done at that point, but still has rear leaf springs (though I don't even know if they're still in the factory location or not). I was looking at it yesterday, and noticed that the center of the rear where the differential is, is a few inches off center to the drivers side of the vehicle. I couldn't say exactly how far off center it is without measuring, but it's clearly noticeable when you look at it. Is this normal for a '57 9 inch? Or has someone swapped some other 9 inch under there?
Jamie if you mean that the axle tube on one side is longer than the other...I think its been changed . My car has a 57 type big bearing 9" and it looks centered. So does my "spare" one.
Jamie, Are going to tell where is? What size are the brake drums? I think I have one. It has junkyard marking of 58. Rick
Hey there. Just wondering where you guys that are using these 57 diff's are finding drums for them. I haven't had any luck finding drums for mine and I'm running out of time to race day.
You should be able to go to any parts store and get them . I looked up a set shoes for a 58 ford edsel and a 54 chevy pick up a while back.
Yea, it's really cool. It's to bad it's such a rust bucket, or otherwise I would get it going again. Has a spot where the frame is rusted through.
Pretty bad. Everything behind the doors is wrapped in fiberglass for some reason. Over the years the fiberglass has separated and water has collected behind it. I don't know that there is any rust though, but all the sheet metal that I can see back there has huge pits in it. Would probably look like swiss cheese if you sand blasted it. The whole thing is probably restoreable, but it would take a lot of work.
