After narrowing a small pile of rear ends over the years I have learned one
fact. With a Ford rear you will need to start with a rear end 8 inches
wider than your desired dimension if you wish to use stock axles resplined.
Ford axles neck down just inboard of the splines and the minimum length
that can be cut is 4 inches. Maverick rears are 56 inches flange to
flange. Trouble ahead.
This means that you will have one Ford axle cut and one custom axle made.
Its only money...remember that.
There are 4 Maverick rears, a 7 1/2 inch Spicer type (rear cover) with 9"
brakes and a 4x4 1/2 bolt pattern. A 8" front loader with 9" brakes and
4x4 1/2 pattern, this is the easiest MG one. A 8" with 10" brakes and 5x4
1/2 bolt pattern and one socket access hole in the axle flange, this is a
very good one and easy to change to 4 bolt pattern. The last is a 8" with
10" brakes and 5 studs on a 4 1/2 pattern and 3 big holes in the flange
between studs. This makes changing stud patterns expensive.
The 8" 4 stud is found mostly in 70-72 cars. Mavericks are all 4x 4 1/2 or
5x 4 1/2 pattern for studs.
Mustang IIs are ALL 4 x 4 1/4 bolt pattern. As Jim said similar but
different. A Muskrat 2 rear is identified by the axle tubes necking down
from the center section instead of being straight. They also have the
lower (desireable) gears.
Any 4 stud Fairmont or newer than '76 Ford is most likely 4 x4 1/4 and the
4 stud axles are a pain in the ass to change bolt circles. The 5 s are
easy as you leave the stud next to the big hole and drill 3 new ones. We
use a jig so it is easy.
As a note on wrecking yards, stopped at one on Friday looking for old Buick
stuff. The guy said "don't sell old car parts, to much talking and not
enough profit" turned his back and walked away. You can bet your ass he
won't sell me any late model stuff either. Our local guy is great to deal
with but he is a car nut too.
Happy Turkey
Jack Emery
Glenburn Maine
'67 MGB V-8
many others
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