Ive got a couple questions about a 9" from an early 70's ford pickup. The front 44 that I have has got drum brakes, but it is open knuckle, and its high pinion, with, I want to say 4.10's... Can anyone confirm what gears this truck might have? Well anyway, on to my question. I have a chance to purchase a 9" out of that same truck for the rear, and Im curious if anyone can tell me if it will be the big bearing 9" with 31 splines, or will it be 28 spline? Another thing is, I REALLY like the idea of running 40 spline dutchman shafts with a full spool in it, just because it would be strong and bulletproof. For this, does the big bearing need to be bored out? do the axle tubes need to be bored out? Im not thinking they will, but I just want to make sure. Thanks
Scott <><

Hey Scott this axle you speak of if an early ford 9in. will have 28 spline or less I believe. The 78, 79 bronco I think is when they began with the 31 spline. I may be wrong and I am sure will be corrected. If you are going to a spool who cares what the spline count is. The 4.10s are very likely. Especially if it was a manual trans. truck.The easiest way to finde the gear ratio is pull the cover on the d44 you have at home and rotaote the ring gear until you see the numbers. there will be two sets of numbers like 40 11 or 45 8. Or you can count the teeth on the ring and pinion and divide them into each other. 40 % 11=4.11. The bearing cups on the ends of the housing would need to be replaced if not big enough. I dont know the size stock. Well good luck.Sorry for all the vague info.Also try this in the ford section, might get a more accurate response.

Early 9" axles were 28 spline, not sure when the date cut off is, but 77 and up trucks had 31 spline, and 78 and up broncos had 31 spline shafts.

Early 9" housings were aslo weaker do to the design of the housing it self, less taper and extensin of the center part of the housing to the end of the tubes. Prone to bending on heavy, or hard use.

Here is a pic showing the large, small, new style housing flange ends.
http://home.gci.net/~bronco78/pic/housingflange.gif

Thanks for the info. I guess ideally I won't want the 9" out of the same truck that I got the D44, because it will be small bearing right? I guess I will check it out. I do want to go 9", but have decided that the 40 spline idea is out, only because Im cheap and I don't really want to spend the money on a new 3rd member. So 35 spline should be plenty. Heck, for my application, I could survive with 31, but better safe than sorry.
Next question.
Im looking for a big bearing 9" thats 65-66" wide, any pointers on what vehicles to look under? Thanks
Scott <><

what a loser!!!!! :flipoff2: :flipoff2: :flipoff2: :flipoff2: :flipoff2:

Just kiddin dumbass! what happened I thought you were stopping by tonight.?

Check your PM's IDDIOT :)
Lata!