Well, I just looked at the axle code on my eb and it is a small bearing 9". I plan on running 37's with a mini spool until they break, then going to 31 spline...either superior or yukon axles. How will the small bearing hold up? Also, the eb came with 4.11 gears...I plan on going to 4.88's. Will this be too low if I plan on doing some driving on the highway (to and from wheeling locations and hope to get around 65mph)? it has a 302

thanks,

Matt

I have 4.88's with an NV4500 and I go about 65 mph at around 2k rpms.

As for the small beraing I converted to a big bearing because it only cost about 150 for a local shop to do. Then I could go with the warn full floater and disk brakes in the rear.

just my .03 though

It mayb be cheaper to get a 4X4 F150 housing cut down, that way you get the better housing and the large bearing outers, and it still may be cheaper than getting new outers welded on to the weak EB housing.

Just adding for for thought.

Yes, go 31 spline now, with 37's and 28 spline axles you will brake on your first run

So, 31 spline yukon's would hold up for a while in my sb?...i'd carry a spare of course.

thanks for the offer, but i think i'm gonna stick with mine.

I wouldn't spend a dime on a small bearing axle. You could get the large bearing ends for your axle from BC Broncos and have a local rear end shop install them for you.

Or, better yet, save the money on the conversion ends and the labor to install them. Go the the pick and pull junk yard, get an f150 HD housing and have it shortened (100 bucks). Take your small bearing light duty housing and toss it in the trash. IMHO... :D

I would, if a budget wasn't an option, get the HD housing and the taper toller bearing axles from Jim at Wild Horses, or Chuck...at BC.

If you can wait a month, i will have a big bearing EB rear you can have if you come get it. Housing, shafts, no 3rd. Free. Dont mess with small bearing stuff, 9's are a dime a dozen.

Did a BB come in all f-150's? I'm gonna try to hit up some salvage yards soon. Also, if I shorten an axle to EB width, what all is required...move spring mounts, custom shafts? Thanks for the help. I'm gonna search more.

Yes, go 31 spline now, with 37's and 28 spline axles you will brake on your first run

I decided to run my 28 spline axle shafts till they broke and 2 years later on 38" SX's and 39.5 IROKs they are still intacked. But it's a BB.

Did a BB come in all f-150's? I'm gonna try to hit up some salvage yards soon. Also, if I shorten an axle to EB width, what all is required...move spring mounts, custom shafts? Thanks for the help. I'm gonna search more.

If I am not mistaken, all f100-and early f150s that had 9" rear ends were BIG tapered roller bearings. You will not need custom shafts if the housing is cut to EB specs. Have the shop measure the perches on your EB small bearing to set the new perchers. If the shop welds on the perches in the same place as the F150, the pinion will be pretty much straight ahead. You will need more pinion angle for the EB. Of if you have a welder, weld them where you need them. (2 deg of off-set) at the pinion ujoint.