ford 9"

[rdtj]

i just got a ford 9" yesterday for free. It needs a lot of work before its under my jeep. Anybody done this before? I am definatly not in a hurry. I know it is a lot of work and i planned on that. Ill be happy to get it under my jeep by the end of next summer. Anyways helpful advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[xjmarc]

What is it out of? If it's from a car then you can use your wheels but it'll be a bit narrower than stock. If it's from a truck or van it will be a good bit wider than stock, 6-8" wider and have a bigger bolt pattern. Late 70s got bigger bearings which are a plus. Cars have 28 spline axles as do early trucks and Broncos till the mid 70 then the trucks and full size Broncos have 31. You can get spline counts as high as 40 or so from the aftermarket. The brackets for the 4 link will be the fun part and they need to be dead on.

 

[jps4jeep]

I've put one 9" into a TJ, the pass. car width is narrower as stated, but not so much that you will really notice, the wms-wms compared to a D35 is only a 1.5" difference IIRC. I found dutchman axles makes a very well prices 31+ spline chomo shaft for this axle. ideally you want the nodular third member, but if not don't stress it. I would avoid the 40 spline shafts if it is a Dailly driver. inorder to fit such a large shaft, you need a custom bearing that has very small roller bearings that do not lubricate well at all, with constant driving that heat up very fast and gaul the bearing rendering it junk. plus that are just retardedly expensive. you should be able to find 31 spline carriers in the junk yard in pick ups and broncos. plus you might get lucky and find a matching gear set.

 

[rdtj]

Im not sure what this one came out of but it is a ggod bit wider than my dana 35 but i dont really care i am willing to sacrafice having a wide axle for replacing the turd i have right now

 

[xjmarc]

You'll just need to find a front axle with a matching width. 70s model 44s are going to be your best bet, just avoid the ones with cast wedges.

 

[rdtj]

what is a cast wedge? why is it bad?

 

[jps4jeep]

it's where the radius arm connected to the axle, some have welded on some have them cast directly into the diff. with a YJ, you can get around it by widening your leafs or do some considerable grinding and welding to fit a perch on there.

 

[xjmarc]

The cast wedge version has a thinner axle tube as well and you can't grind them off because they are hollow and part of the tube. Ask me how I know, ended up changing out the tubes on one.

 

[rdtj]

I guess the planets are lining up because my friend is buying a 70's model truck for parts for his, and he said I could have the front dana 44 out of it. Wow there has to be a catch this is to perfect8)

 

[jps4jeep]

Sorry, I should have been clearer, I was refering to grinding the perch.

you should be all set if it is a 76 or later axle. 75 and older will be a drum brake axle, and someone might want to correct me here, and assuming this is a pick up, but I know the 75 and older D60 were closed knuckles, I think the D44 were as well, not too sure on the year.