Hello all,
I am a new member here and look forward to your help and input. I have purchased a 52 Merc Monterey basket project....all things present. It is as solid as can be, but one problem....someone replaced the original rear end with a Chevy leaf spring rear end.....damn stupid move on a car with no rot or rust anywhere underneath, but neither here nor there....what's done is done. Anyhow, this leaf spring rear end is not squared up in the least and seeing as thought the original coil perch's are still present, I would like to relpace it with a proper model rear end. I am running a mildly built 1980 Ford 302 and need input on a rear end for this beauty...Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance...

A 52 Merc had coil springs??? Are you sure? Here's an original spec:
"Suspension: Independent front-wheel suspension with coil springs. Torsional stabilizer bar to reduce roll. Longitudinal, semi-elliptic leaf springs in rear with full-length liners for permanent lubrication."
Several places sell new leaf springs for your car. As far as axle, you could use an original nine inch, or even an 8.8" from a Mustang/Thunderbird/Granada/Crown Vic, etc. Just weld two perches, and U-bolt the springs on. The bottom plate has holes for your shocks.

I am thinking of buying a donor car....a police interceptor and using the engine, trans and rear end for this car.....is that possible to do with this particular Mercury Monterey?

It's possible if you have the technical knowledge, lots of time and pockets full of money. It is much cheaper and easier to convert it back to stock.

I agree with 19tom40. You can install a Romeo engine, but the street value will be cut in half. In fact, you can convert it into anything you like. After all, it's your car.

If you intend to drive it daily, you will want radial tires, seat belts, electric windshield wipers, a nice stereo, A/C, etc. You will also need to do the 12-volt conversion for the A/C, wipers, and stereo, and alarm.

52-54 Fords and Mercurys used the same rear axle and leaf springs.

If you are putting in a 302 any late Ford product rear that is the right width will work. You'll have to weld new spring perches to match your springs. If you are sure the springs on the car are not original Ford, check with a local spring shop about new Ford/Mercury replacements. A good spring shop can make you a set and they are not expensive. There are lots of vintage Ford parts dealers that will have the correct shackles, bushings, bolts and U-bolts abd springs..