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1955 Plymouth 3.54 differential search
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westaus29
Posted 2017-05-15 11:32 AM (#540069)
Subject: 1955 Plymouth 3.54 differential search


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Posts: 147
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Location: Mandurah, Western Australia
I am located in sunny Western Australia and would like to eventually restore the rear end of my 1955 Plymouth Suburban to original. The car has the 259 poly V8 with 2 speed Powerflite transmission and according to the shop manual it should have a 3.54 rear end with 11 inch drums. There isnt much information around on the forum or anywhere else I can find, so I would appreciate some feedback on what I have found out so far. (The wagon is currently on the road, see my posting in Members Rides).

The existing rear axle has a 3.9 ratio and 10 inch Mopar drums with LH thread Mopar bolts to hold the LH rear wheel, and may be out of an Australian 55-56 6 cylinder Dodge, Desoto or Chrysler, all of which were basically a continuation of the 53-54 model. Axle housing dimensions are saddle to saddle 41.5 inch, flange to flange 55.5 inch. I can't find a part number on the housing. Does anyone know where I should find it? The housing fits like it belongs and does not appear to have been modified. The speedo and odometer are about 10% out which fits with the diff ratio being wrong.

The differential is banjo type with 11 bolts and 10 inch diameter carrier which is listed in my Mopar interchange listing to be an early 8-1/4 inch unit. The differential carrier external markings are A1141544, 10-11-55 B on left side and 3.9/1 A 3160(?) on right.
My parts book does not list any carrier part numbers so that doesnt help much. It does list the carrier with caps as part 1327816, and the axle shaft as 1328382, both being the same for all 55-56 Plymouth and Dodge, and some Desoto and Chrysler. The axle housing is part 1554997, being the same for all 55-56 Dodge and Plymouth.

My Mopar interchange listing has the following differentials as being interchangeable:
Chrysler 55-56 Windsor excl SW
Desoto 55-56 Firedome excl SW
Dodge 53-56 all
Plymouth 53-56 all

This basically agrees with the parts listing, and I am guessing that a 3.54 diff out of any of the above would fit in my axle housing.
The part no for the 3.54 ring gear and pinion is 1124304
( ring gear 953579 - 39 teeth, pinion 953580 - 11 teeth)

So I am looking for a 3.54 diff in restorable condition with these ring gear and pinion part numbers, or preferably a ring gear and pinion set which would be much cheaper to ship.

I'll worry about the 11 inch drums later.

Any leads would be appreciated.

Jim




(55differential.jpg)



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Powerflite
Posted 2017-05-15 1:24 PM (#540075 - in reply to #540069)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth 3.54 differential search



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Posts: 9604
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Location: So. Cal
I ended up just swapping out the whole rear for a '65-'70 B-body (Satellite, Coronet, Charger, Road Runner etc.). It bolts right in after moving the spring perches in and re-doing the driveshaft to install a standard u-joint. It may be easier to find a B-body rear than it is to find an early 8 1/4 gearset of a specific ratio. I think my original gears were 3.31, but I ended up tossing them in the metal bin and are gone.

Look 1/3 of the way down on this page for more info.
http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=57904&...
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Bevis
Posted 2017-12-24 10:50 AM (#554967 - in reply to #540069)
Subject: Re: 1955 Plymouth 3.54 differential search


Member

Posts: 14

Location: Kerrville Texas
I have a rear end from a 55 Dodge and it is a 3.54. You could get the whole thing or I could pull the gears. It turns perfectly smooth. I am in USA, Texas.
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57chizler
Posted 2017-12-24 2:02 PM (#554974 - in reply to #540069)
Subject: RE: 1955 Plymouth 3.54 differential search



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Location: NorCal

I think you'd be better off swapping in a later B-body 8 3/4 like Powerflite said but I would restrict it to '65-'67. Better selection of available gears and replacement parts and a built-in parking brake if you decide to make drivetrain changes later on.
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