[tx65coupe]

Was your car originally an I6 car? This may be why it has a Versailles rear. This is why mine does.

I have the Versailles rear end and it doesn't make the tires stick out much more than a car with a stock rear end would.

Many moons ago the Versailles was considered an upgrade before all the aftermarket and custom stuff became available. So back in the 70s, 80s, and even the 90s it was a common upgrade or replacement for a damaged unit.

That note your dad left means that the axle shafts are 28 spline not the heavier duty 31 spline more commonly found in trucks.

There has commonly been a debate on the actual difference in width. Some say it is 1/2-5/8 inch overall and some say that is per side.When I tried to measure mine over a decade ago I think it was something like 3/8 inch per side but that was not using precision measurements just a tape.

I did just find this info again.

65-66 Mustang 57.25 inches
67-70 Mustang 59.25 inches
71-73 Mustang 61.25 inches
77-81 Versailles 58.50 inches

And also found this.

Ford Rearend ID and info

The parking brake is both wonky and finicky. Set it up too tight so it works well and it will drag too much. Get it to not drag and then it barely works.

You have to hold your foot on the brake when releasing the parking brake for it to stay in adjustment and it must be exercised at least once a month or so or it will loose adjustment.

Finally new calipers are available from various sellers from unknown China or Taiwan manufacturer but they are at least new.

versialles brake caliper: Search Result | eBay

New hoses are not easy to come by but are available on Ebay from Brake Hoses Unlimted seller name goodbrakes. These are nice replacements in rubber or braided stainless.

REAR DISC STAINLESS BRAKE HOSE SET Lincoln Versailles 1977 1978 1979 1980 | eBay

 

[tx65coupe]

The problem is this is faulty info, here is my housing measurement from my Versailles rear end:



Add 5" for the common 2.5" axle offset and 1/4" each side for disc brakes and what you have is 57.75".

Think we're almost in agreement. That is the info that is most commonly found from various sources and maybe even magazines.

Like I said I don't think mine is that much wider either. We measured it a dozen years ago and it was something like 3/8 inch each side. And we thought it was odd that our measurement didn't match.

If it was what that info says i would expect it would be more noticeable with tires hanging out the sides. I have 15x7 4.25 backspacing Magnums on all 4 corners and parked next to other stock cars with the same wheels you can't really see any noticeable difference.

 

[tx65coupe]

Here's what mine looks like with all 4 wheels and tires the same size.