COMET CENTRAL

Looking for differentials that are direct fit for 1963 Comet hardtop?
My friend has an 8" from a 71 or 72 comet.
Tag numbers

WOW-T1 AFC
2.79 8 530A

He says it measures 56 3/8 inside flange to flange
42 3/4 perch center.

... assuming you are looking for replacing entire rear end. The 70's Maverick/Comet 8" is a favorite swap for the early 'roundbody' cars. No modification other the DS is usually needed. The Maverick Springs are wider but Mav' perch bolts right on early springs.

IResearch the tag # to ID actual OEM application, 8" were used in many cars and widths .

70-72 Maverick are 4 and 5 lug , later are all 5 lug and all have high gear ratio for 70's interstate speeds with 60's 1:1 non-OD trannys.(typical 2.79:1). 4 Lug and 5 lug use different axle bearings unfortunately and axles do not swap, 8" uses same diff' center as 9" = Posi section same common in 8 and 9".

Maverick '71 4 lug flange-flange = @ 52 3/16"


.

One problem is early car wheel wells make wheel R&R difficult with modern tire sizes without lifting body or other options. Early roundbody car original 2" springs need help. with addition to power.

71 Maverick 8 " 4 LUG in a 61 Comet with 3.80 Posi and spring 'traction devices' and Tri-Power 250 cid small block six.

. . .

Yes, I am changing the entire rear and springs,

No modification other the DS is usually needed.
Sorry what does DS refer too.

I have in mind a 5 lug and will change center sections and bearing plus axels.

Thanks for the info... I still have to measure mine to verify the width and other dimensions.
As they say measure twice and replace once.

Very cool set up... nice pictures!

No modification other the DS is usually needed.
Sorry what does DS refer too.

DS = DRIVESHAFT

Original V8 cars should already have DS universals that will match the Maverick/Comet 8". If car is converted from six, it will need an upgrade from 1100 series (tiny) universal joint to standard 1300 series universals that the 8" / V8 cars used.



have fun

Thanks I plan on new drive shaft... I have a couple local places I will go to.

When I did the 8” magverickswap on my ‘64 I could not use the maverick springs they were too short I just used my stock spring without issue mine is a 4. Bolt 6cyl 8” BTW. Been a while but I did use my original driveshaft with conversion joints, I also swapped to top loader. 3 speed at the same time. All of that happened over 30 years ago but that is how I recall it

see Ya,
mike

'63 260 V8 Comet has 2" springs with 6 leaves. Same spring used on the station wagon.
Can't go to wider springs on the '63 w/o fabricating new mounts.
May the TIG be with you.

Joe