The Dana will not handle the torque the 302 will put out.
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Looks pretty rough at this point. Paid $90 off Craigslist. It was pulled from a 1959 F100 which was the FIRST year for the Ford 9 inch. However the date code stamping on the 3rd member identifies it as 1964 so who knows. |
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The gear ratio is 3.89:1 so a little high for highway cruising considering my tranny has no overdrive. Its also an open rear end so I will likely address the gearing later with a posi unit. |
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Brakes are pretty rough and missing a drum. I plan to use the original drums and backing plates from the Dana unit as I've read they will fit. |
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Bare housing was wire brushed down to bare metal after I ground off the old shock mounts. |
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Another view of the bare housing, a far cry from where it started. |
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The 3rd member was wire brushed with a drill and the pinion seal which was leaking was replaced. |
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The axles were degreased and all studs replaced. |
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Finally mounted, reused the old brake backing plates and drums from the original 1953 Dana Spicer. Unfortunately the drums are shot, huge grooves and the pads need replacing. Its always something... |
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View from the rear. Still need to weld the rear shock mounts on another day. |
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View from the front. Some good news the driveshaft no longer needs shortening, the nine inch 3rd member isn't nearly as deep as the Dana Spicer was. |