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(1) 2 »

Difference between 55 & 56 rear end assemblies
#1
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64avanti
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Wondering how big a deal it would be to replace a '55 rear axle with a '56 unit. It's the whole assembly I am wondering about.
Thanks!

Posted on: 2013/11/12 11:17
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Re: Difference between 55 & 56 rear end assemblies
#2
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Cli55er
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you would need the entire rear axle from a 56 to make it work. I'm probably wrong, but i dont think you can throw the innards of a 56 into the pumpkin of a 55. two different beasts.

Posted on: 2013/11/12 11:25
1937 Packard 138-CD Deluxe Touring Limousine
Maroon/Black 1090-1021
[url=https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/registry/View.php?ID=232]1955 Packard
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Re: Difference between 55 & 56 rear end assemblies
#3
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Ross
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It will bolt right in. Not sure about the prop shaft lengths, but just use the one from the 56 to be sure.

Posted on: 2013/11/12 11:34
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Re: Difference between 55 & 56 rear end assemblies
#4
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Let the ride decide
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I believe there is a difference in how the shocks mount, but as Henry points out you would have to change the whole unit.

There is also different rubber used to mount the TL to the unit.

Posted on: 2013/11/12 11:36
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Re: Difference between 55 & 56 rear end assemblies
#5
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BH
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The axles have completely different designs between the two years - nothing will interchange between them.

While it might be possible to swap entire assemblies from one year to the other, along with some additional related parts, why would you wanna subject yourself to all that work?

It's easier to remove the 55 pumpkin and service it on the workbench.

Posted on: 2013/11/12 12:17
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Re: Difference between 55 & 56 rear end assemblies
#6
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Randy Berger
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The 55 unit is a more robust unit including axles. You would gain TwinTraction by switching, but are you going to drive your car in the snow and mud?? I agree with BH - service the punkin (WestVa spelling).

Posted on: 2013/11/12 15:07
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Re: Difference between 55 & 56 rear end assemblies
#7
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64avanti
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You guys are thinking too hard!
I'm talking about switching out whole assemblies, not parts.
Why would I want to? Ease of maintaining a Dana.

"The 55 unit is a more robust unit including axles. You would gain TwinTraction by switching, but are you going to drive your car in the snow and mud?? I agree with BH - service the punkin"

Snow & mud? How about a burn-out pit. Gotta warm the slicks somehow!

Posted on: 2013/11/12 15:22
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Re: Difference between 55 & 56 rear end assemblies
#8
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Randy Berger
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Do you have a stockpile of axles for the 56?
You'll need 'em.

Posted on: 2013/11/12 20:39
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Re: Difference between 55 & 56 rear end assemblies
#9
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64avanti
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Despite searching, I don't know much about what fails...
The 9 3/4 ring gear is strong enough to support a blown Hemi.

Posted on: 2013/11/12 21:26
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Re: Difference between 55 & 56 rear end assemblies
#10
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Ross
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Bit surprised--after the initial batch of bad axle shafts way back in 56 I've never heard of a failure. The Twin Traction units are another matter. Don't know anyone who is still running one of those.

Posted on: 2013/11/13 7:31
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