My buddy bought a '78 Ford Bronco. It's got stock axles, which are ford 9" out back and a D44 in front. 38.5" tires, not sure what brand lift, but lots of it. Previous owner was apparently a poseur and only re geared the rear end, so he cannot go 4wheeling. He's coming over tomorrow and we're going to open up the 9" rear and see exactly what gears it's got in it, and then find some matching gear for the front D44.

Now, what's the easiest way to determine gear ratio for the 9" rear end? Can't you spin the tires so many times and tell that way? Do I have to pull the 3rd? If I have to pull it, it should come out the same way a Toyota 3rd does, right?

Now if we figure out the ratio for the 9", what's involved in changing out the gears in the front D44? Is it very difficult to swap a pre-geared carrier and pinion? Any write ups on the Internet for this?

Thanks! I've never worked on any other 4x4 besides my Toyota, but I'd like to learn!

You can guestimate good without pulling the pumpkin, but if you're going to be using this to buy matching gears for the front, do yourself the favor and pull it to be sure.

never done a yota, but pop both side axles out, (4 bolts on each side holding them in after you get the drums off), drop the d shaft obviously, and then pull the pumpkin out.

Never geared a 44 so someone else can chime in there..

I belive depending how low the rear end is, the 44 carrier may need to be changed, someone correct me if im wrong. Yes the 9in 3rd just pops out once u remove all the bolts and pull the axle shafts out a bit. I believe u can divide the number or teeth on the RG with the number on the pinion to get a much closer estimate than rotating the tires.

OK, so it sounds about the same as pulling a Toy 3rd. Guess I'll have to count teeth then.

Anyone know about the front?

Setting up a Dana axle is much more difficult than a 9 or a Toy. It doesn't have a 3rd member and there is no such thing as a pregeared carrier and pinion for it. Start here and read the yukon install instructions: Randy's Tech (http://randysringandpinion.com/tech/techind.html)

The job isn't terribly difficult, but it can be tedious. You can get by without a press, but you will need a dial indicator w/ magnetic base and some setup bearings will make life much easier.