Versailles rearend width

[65up2d8]

I installed a Versailles rearend underneath my '65 coupe about 8 years ago. My memory may be failing me after all the since that time , but I seem to recall the mags saying at the time that the Versailles rear was 1/2" narrower on each side than the stock '65 8" rear it replaced. I have seen posts on this forum that indicate the Versailles rear is 1/2" wider, the same width, and/or 1/2" narrower on each side. However, most of the wheel threads I have seen on here say 4.75" backspacing is the max for a '65, and I seem to recall my backspacing being 4.5" on an 8" wheel, which would obviously put the wheels in the leafs if its as narrow as I am thinking, or too far out if the rear is 1/2" wider. I have rolled fender lips on the rear, but I'm running a 265/50-15 BFG, which it seems would not work if the rear is 1/2" wider. Anyone know the absolute truth here?

P.S. This is simply a curiosity post, and the car is 2.5 hours away. I know how to measure backspacing and will do so when I buy new wheels. No lessons necessary.

 

[66coupe351]

There is a very comprehensive Ford rear end write-up at this site: ultrastang.com

I believe the Versailles rear end is the same width as the '65 8", but check the site.

 

[D.Hearne]

The Vesailles rear's width is in between the 65-66 and 67-70 rear. 1/2" wider than a 65-66, 1/2" narrower than a 67-70.

 

[65up2d8]

ultrastang.com says the rearend for a '65 and the rearend for a Versailles are the same width. I don't know if D. Hearne is speaking from personal experience, but I do tend to agree with him on the 1/2" difference. I recall vividly at the time I did the swap based on things I had read in the major mags that the Versailles rear was 1/2" different. However, I remeber the Versailles rear being 1/2" shorter than the original rear on each side, but I could be wrong. I wish I still had the original rear to measure to confirm the difference. Does anyone here have the two different housings that they can measure? No offense meant, D. Hearne, if you are basing your answer on actual measurements.

 

[D.Hearne]

I was wrong, the Versailles rear is 1" narrower than the 67-70, and 1" wider than the 65-66. Brain fart. This is based on my actual experience when I swapped the rear in my old 67 Fastback. The Versailles rear was 1/2" narrower per side than the 9" that came with the 67 I had. The 57-59 Ford 9" is the same width as the 65-66's.