Volvo RWD 444-544 Forum

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Rear axle upgrade for PV 444-544 ?? 444-544

I'm building a 1958 PV444 "restomod" street rod. I know the Spicer/Dana rear end
with it's tapered axles is considered by SCCA to be unsafe, even with B-18 power.
I will be running a 3.4L Camaro V6, which has at least 3 times the torque of the
original engine. I would also like to have rear disc brakes, and use the stock 5 on 4.5 lug pattern, which was also used on Ford, Mopar, and some Jeep models.

I would like to retain the original Volvo rear suspension system, which would
have the pickup points reinforced, and some of the components strengthened or replaced with stronger bits.

The main issue I seem to be running into is finding a "pumpkin" that will accommodate the two upper rods that attach to the chassis under the rear seat.

Has anyone here resolved that issue ? I am not greatly concerned with the width of whatever rear axle I would use, as the stocker would need to be slightly shortened to fit my wheels/tires any way.


Thanks for any help or information !
Doug








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    Rear axle upgrade for PV 444-544 ?? 444-544

    Hi Doug, I installed the 1990 Ford Ranger 8.8 rear end and it uses all the stock Volvo 544 suspension parts. Later model Explorers used rear disc brakes but I do not know if the dimensions would be the same as the Ranger. I would "assume" that someone makes an adapter to put disc brakes on the Ranger axle.
    Just narrow the rear axle housing on the long side so it will take another short side axle. There was plenty of meat to drill and tap the housing to be able to install the torque rod assembly. If you need any further pictures just post a reply.

    Best of luck.

    Ray J.










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      Rear axle upgrade for PV 444-544 ?? 444-544

      Ray - thanks ! What did you do regarding the " collars " that locate the
      u bolt bushings ? It appears that the bushing set you used is a urethane replacement set - IPD ?

      If you have any photos detailing the work done on the housing to attach the upper rods, that would be helpful.

      Thanks again,
      Doug







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