1940 with maverick rear end

[Theholygrehl]

I just bought a 1977 maverick rear end for my 1940 ford truck. The bolt pattern in 5 on 4 1/2. I'm very new to all this first time doing anything with this type of stuff so bear with me. Can I change it to 5 on 5 1/2? Also it needs new drums where can I get some new ones? Also just picked up a 1987 s10 transmission going to be a big task for me and should be fun I hope. 1946 rebuilt flathead in the truck.

 

[donald1950]

i can give you some info on the T5 trans and some info on the maverick rearend. Private Message me with a phone # and a good time to call.. i had a 41 PU that i did a T5 swap & open drive in and it really brings the Flathead to life..... don

 

[Andy]

There is not enough flange to redrill to the 5.5 pattern. I have used wheel adapters and that brings the tread width back to stock. I have run them on a hemi roadster for 28 years with no problem. Aftermarket wheels would work and keep the Ford caps

 

[Krylon32]

We make a conversion kit for a T5 to Flathead. See our ad in the for sale ads. I get my wheel adapters and spacers from Gonzales Enterprises in CA. Gary at Cornhusker Rod And Custom

 

[gearhead1952]

You can also buy replacement axles for the Maverick rear with the bolt pattern you want.

 

[Theholygrehl]

Great thanks guys, I'll check out cornhuskers, I'm thinking about going the new wheels and caps look. I take it putting the maverick in is pretty simple. I'm sure the transmission will have a bit of messing around.

 

[Theholygrehl]

Also if I'm to change to 15" wheels what size tires fit nice. I was thinking 6" wide rim, I don't want a real wide Tire.

 

[fishnjim]

p225 75 r15 or 70 ok too on rears and p205 70 r15 on front

 

[TomT/Williamsburg]

I had a Maverick rear under my 40 coupe. It was all ready a 4.5" pattern but the rear is very narrow, almost too narrow forca 40. I used about a 3/4" spacer with 8" wheels with 4" offset and 235/75-r15 tires.
65-66 Mustang and Ford Granada/Monarch rears are a good width.
Btw, the later Mustang 11s had some interesting gear sets - 3:30, 3:40, and 3:50 gear ratios were available. Check the V8 cars w/air as they had some of these ratios. Another trick is to use Monarch/Granada shoes and drums on your 8" rear for a brake upgrade from 1 3/4" to a full 2" shoe setup .... remember to change to the longer shoe hold downs ....

 

[Theholygrehl]

Thanks Tom, 65 Grenada drums are 5 on 4.5? Just want to make sure. To get 2" shoes is better also.

 

[big job]

You may want to research Chrysler Prod like Plymouth 16" or 15" rims, they
bolt right on a Maverick.

 

[funrunr]

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1940-ford-rear-springs.432338/
above is one option for installing parallel leafs. Another rear axle option is the 1998 up Ford Ranger that is 58½" wide. these are usually either 7.5 or 8.8 axles. They can be found cheap at the local pull a part.
I have the above rear leafs mounted in my 40 sedan and not complete but willing to offer you a viewing.

 

[Theholygrehl]

Thanks for that post funrunr that's a good setup the pictures help too. I already have my axle but will probably do that parallel leaf setup

 

[d.conrad]

I used an late 60s Bronco rear end in several old Fords.58'' wide and 5 1/2'' bolt pattern. Perfect fit.

 

[GreenMonster48]

I too was going to suggest the 66-77 Bronco rear.

 

[Milt/Las Vegas]

I used an late 60s Bronco rear end in several old Fords.58'' wide and 5 1/2'' bolt pattern. Perfect fit.

broncos are 9 inch also which is another plus.