9" rear end

[1moretoy]

Has anyone here bought and installed the 9" housing from Speedway Motors for our trucks. It says the housing measures 62" overall with the axles installed. What are your thoughts using this.

Thank you,

[davepl]

Well, what does your current axle measure?

I've replaced 12-bolts with 9-inch, and one wheel is offset about a half an inch on the 12-bolt, which it won't be with the 9-inch, but GM didn't account for it anyway. Only really matters if you're marginal on tire clearance to begin with.

Not sure why this is, though the Ford uses a pinion with a support bearing on its nose, don't think a lack of that'd push it one way or the other.

[1moretoy]

Originally Posted by davepl

Well, what does your current axle measure?

I've replaced 12-bolts with 9-inch, and one wheel is offset about a half an inch on the 12-bolt, which it won't be with the 9-inch, but GM didn't account for it anyway. Only really matters if you're marginal on tire clearance to begin with.

Not sure why this is, though the Ford uses a pinion with a support bearing on its nose, don't think a lack of that'd push it one way or the other.

Here is the link

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Bolt-I...cks,80935.html

[1moretoy]

Originally Posted by 1moretoy

Here is the link

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Bolt-I...cks,80935.html

Anyone have any input on this.

[RodnRudy]

My 68 truck's rear end measures 62" axle flange to axle flange. I just got a 71 rear end which is 1 1/2" wider so I'd have more wiggle room for rear wheel/tire back spacing. Also it is 5 lug. You can end up with a pretty pricey rear if you go with the 9". You'll have axles, backing plates, brake kit and drums. And a rebuilt center section will run around $500.00. I used a Moser 9" In my last truck, a 49 Ford F1 It ended up being around $1500.00 but that's what I wanted.
I guess the question is why do you want to use a 9"? Are you going to drag race it?

[1moretoy]

Originally Posted by RodnRudy

My 68 truck's rear end measures 62" axle flange to axle flange. I just got a 71 rear end which is 1 1/2" wider so I'd have more wiggle room for rear wheel/tire back spacing. Also it is 5 lug. You can end up with a pretty pricey rear if you go with the 9". You'll have axles, backing plates, brake kit and drums. And a rebuilt center section will run around $500.00. I used a Moser 9" In my last truck, a 49 Ford F1 It ended up being around $1500.00 but that's what I wanted.
I guess the question is why do you want to use a 9"? Are you going to drag race it?

Well I bit the bullet and ordered the 9" housing It should arrive Monday. I plan on narrowing it 4" on each side. I'll let you guys know how the install goes Monday night

If you are looking for a deeper dish look on your rims you will want a narrower rear end not wider. Doing a 9" so when I eventually turn up the boost on the turbo and put in a bigger stall converter I won't have to worry about breaking anything. Not saying I won't but it will be stronger then the 12bolt.

[Redline novdog]

I don't get it. it is a truck why not use the 14 bolt? Way cheap and bullet proof. If your going full out drag racing, then maybe a 9" .Ford sucks!

[Ozzy2013]

Originally Posted by Redline novdog

I don't get it. it is a truck why not use the 14 bolt? Way cheap and bullet proof. If your going full out drag racing, then maybe a 9" .Ford sucks!

14 bolt is a 8 lug rear

[Redline novdog]

U can get 6 lug hubs for a 14 bolt. If need be you can also get them made to change the wms to wms to a certain extent.

[SeniorVerde]

I've got an older mustang 9" rear mocked in a 71 stepside. I considered the Speedway unit, and am curious as to how your project goes.
I haven't torn into my 9" yet and the Speedway unit is still in the back of my mind.

[Ozzy2013]

The 6 lug hubs are 500+ is the only problem .

[kxmotox247]

I found a complete Ford 31 spline 3:50 Traction Lock rear from a 79 f150 for $350. It cost $65 for new axle seats from CPP. $150 to narrow the housing and shorten/respline the axles and redrill the bolt pattern. I had the center section disassembled and cleaned with new bearings for $90. The clutches looked new.

It can be done much cheaper if you're willing to work with some used stuff. I probably could have re-used my driveshaft with a bastard u-joint but I had a new one made for around $200.

[Ozzy2013]

Originally Posted by kxmotox247

I found a complete Ford 31 spline 3:50 Traction Lock rear from a 79 f150 for $350. It cost $65 for new axle seats from CPP. $150 to narrow the housing and shorten/respline the axles and redrill the bolt pattern. I had the center section disassembled and cleaned with new bearings for $90. The clutches looked new.

It can be done much cheaper if you're willing to work with some used stuff. I probably could have re-used my driveshaft with a bastard u-joint but I had a new one made for around $200.

Wow thats a decent price ill have to call the wrecking yards around here .

[kxmotox247]

Check craigslist around your area. That's where I found mine and it was on there for awhile. I was surprised that it hadn't been sold already.

[Mock1]

Just curious, and dont get me wrong here but why didn't you look into an explorer rear end?
Factory 31 spline axles, disc brakes, 8.8 ring, 3:55 and 3:73 with factory locker. And if you were planing on cutting a housing down anyway, I think the 8.8 is 56-57"? Also the 8.8 looks just like the twelve bolt on the inside, they already make c clip eliminators for them.
Some of the Hot Rod Drag Week cars use this rear end with turbo Ls power plants. Just curious.

[Ozzy2013]

Originally Posted by Mock1

Just curious, and dont get me wrong here but why didn't you look into an explorer rear end?
Factory 31 spline axles, disc brakes, 8.8 ring, 3:55 and 3:73 with factory locker. And if you were planing on cutting a housing down anyway, I think the 8.8 is 56-57"? Also the 8.8 looks just like the twelve bolt on the inside, they already make c clip eliminators for them.
Some of the Hot Rod Drag Week cars use this rear end with turbo Ls power plants. Just curious.

Any specific years on the explorer rears?So these should hold up to a 500hp big block?Thanks for any info.

[Mock1]

Originally Posted by Ozzy2013

Any specific years on the explorer rears?So these should hold up to a 500hp big block?Thanks for any info.

Im thinkin 99 and up. Ill look into it a little more. I think I found a thread on a s10 forum about it. If memory serves right, the only thing after market that was added was an aluminum cover plate. Ill find that thread in a bit. I was lookin to do this swap, but I had a 9" i needed to do something with.
Oh, look for the tag on the diff cover, the one you want should come from a v8 with a "L" between the gear ratio... ( 3 L 55 ) ( 3 L 73 )
That means it has a locker.

[Mock1]

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/transmi...ord-rear-axle/
Heres one from hot rod magazine. It says 91-01.

[Ozzy2013]

Thank you!I have a 68 step side and im putting a 402 Big block and a 5 speed in cant wait should be a sweet ride .