Stock A-body housings designed for 5 x 4" axles measures 52 5/8" wide. A 52" wide housing will yield an identical assembly width when used with standard 5 x 4 1/2" axle flange stand out.

Unfortunately, the stock housing ends get a little close to the perches, so I usually make (5 x 4 1/2" pattern) A-body housings 52 1/4" wide.