Replacing '51 rear end with '54 Spicer

Walt-LA

Anyone know if a '54 Spicer rear end from a '54 Hornet (hydra) could be put into a '51 Hornet (hydra) without having to make modify the drive shaft? Looks like rear shafts might be the same but front shaft varied with production no. of the '54? Walt

Unknown

Walt-LA wrote:

Anyone know if a '54 Spicer rear end from a '54 Hornet (hydra) could be put into a '51 Hornet (hydra) without having to make modify the drive shaft? Looks like rear shafts might be the same but front shaft varied with production no. of the '54? Walt

I am not sure about the drive shaft length, but you may want to check the gear ratios. I believe the 51 with a single range hydramatic had a ratio of 3.54 and the dual range hydramatic out of the 54 had a ratio of 3.07. No offense if you already knew this.

Walt-LA

Certainly none taken. As you might expect, south LA is pretty flat, and it is for the 3.07 that the change is being considered. The engine in the car is from a '54, the same that the rear end would come from and has been through a complete rebuild. It is, in a word, strong, and I believe would pull the 3.07 with out problem. 'Course it would not have the dual range feature of down shifting at lower throttle pressure.



I think the present axle is 3 7/12 or 3.58. Also possible using the dual range hydra from the donor car. Walt

[Deleted User]

It will fit and bolt in. If you can put the dual range in you will find it a little better than the 51 hydramatic though the 51 will work fine.

Unknown

I have made the change on a 51 Hornet Hollywood without any problems. However, I retained the single range hydo and did not like the combination at all. If I were to do it over again I would either change the transmission along with the rear end, or find a good 51 rear end. Dan Smilanick

[Deleted User]

What didn't you like about the combo? you can buy different gears sets for the Dana 44 to make the combo better.

dwardo99

I did it back in the 70s when I broke the rear in the '51. It went right in (on the apartment parking lot -- I don't remember how I did it). There was a fairly noticeable difference in low speed acceleration due to the higher gear ratio but it made highway driving better. That car had a '56 engine and a dual range hydro so I can't comment on what difference the transmission might make.

Unknown

I seem to work too much these days,(6 days a week) so I don't have the time or energy to make one and the car is taking up space in the garage,does anyone have a used Clifford 4 barrel intake for sale or know of someone that might?,Thanks,Dave

shadetree

I replaced my 51 hornet hdramatic 3.58 rear end with 54 spicer 3.07, a smooth exchange, no problems. to use my spring plates and u bolts from 3.58, axel housing o.d. on 3.58 larger, split a schedule 40 2 1/2 inch pipe, laying on top of housing making a good fit for u bolts to axel, housing, this was about 10 years and 15000 miles ago. 3.58 to 3.07 ratio is much better for the hornet engine, works good for me, Hudson made the change in later 52's, 53 and 54's