I have what I beleive to be a 1976 Ford 9" out of an Early Bronco that I have a few questions about. The axle is going into a jeep so I don't have serial numbers of the donor vehicle but I was told it came from an EB. The axle meassure 58" wms to wms. 5 on 5 1/2 lug. Big bearing pattern and 28 spline axle shafts. From what I can tell there were three models of the 9" that year. One was a small bearing and two were big bearing. The only discernable difference between the two big bearing axles was load bearing capability. Is there a way to determine which of these axles this is? I know the brakes are 11". I need to know which of the wheel cylanders I need as both are shot.

Also, the axle retaining plates that bolt to the houseing to keep everything together are different on each side. One of the plates is completely flat and seals tightly against the backing plate. The other is a piece of stamped material that leaves a gap on each side that allow me to see the bearing. I don't think that is correct. I imagine that retaining plate is from a different housing. Anyone know where I can get a flat plate?

Any information anyone has for me is greatly appreciated. I realize the axle is going into a jeep and the Ford guyys might not like it but hey, a jeep is only as good as the parts you put into it.

You're right there were 3 different axles. Here is the info to discern one from the other:

SMALL BEARING, SMALL PATTERN, SMALL BOLTS-the bearing bore is 2.834 inche, the bolt pattern measures 3 5/16 x 2" and is drilled for 3/8" T-bolts.

BIG BEARING, SMALL PATTERN, SMALL BOLTS- The bearing bore is 3.15", the bolt pattern measures 3 1/2" x 2" and it uses 3/8" T-bolts.

BIG BEARING, LARGE PATTERN, LARGE BOLTS- the bearing bore is again 3.15", the bolt pattern is 3 9/16" x 2 3/8", and is drilled larger to accomodate 1/2 " T-bolts:rolleyes::rolleyes:
Credit for this info goes to JD on the EBML Bronco mailing list.

Hope it helps.

Thanks for the help. :beer:

I am assuming that you listed them in weekest to strongest?