'57 Ford Rear End Build Question

[TagMan]

I haven't rebuilt a rear axle in years, but I guess I have at least one more in me to do. It's a '57 housing with a later year ????) 9" pumpkin with 3.89 gears, 28t splined axles and a trac-lock differential.

My question, however, isn't "how to do it?", but rather which manufacturer's components are the best to use? So many companies, it seems, that used to have top ratings have sacrificed their good names to make a quick buck by sending their manufacturing overseas.

Has anyone had recent experience with any particular gear manufacturer and been pleased with it? The axle will be used in long distance (cross country) touring, so I need it to be reliable.

Your suggestions / experiences would sure be appreciated !

Thanks,
-Bob

 

[LOWRIDER]

I would think the quality would follow the price of the items. Lower the price the more likely its Chinese. NAPA usually lists a couple different choices for the same part. Cheaper one is usually Chinese. My 1st choice would be OEM stuff for the clutches & steels if you can find them. I thought I saw some on the HAMB the other day. On the bearings, just write down the Timken #'s and get those.

Of course you could just put an open diff case in it and I'll take that old greasy, worn out hunk of iron off your hands.

 

[woodiewagon46]

Tagman, I would suggest giving the guys at Currie a call. I had a rear built for my 46 wagon locally, and the bearings lasted only about 15,000 miles, they were made in CHINA. We broke down in West Virginia about a mile from a great repair shop and they had us back on the road in two hours! Currie redid my rear and installed taper bearings at a minimal cost. They build bullet proof rears.