this is probably a dumb question but, i was just wondering if it is any different to weld up a 9 inch as compared to other axles since they have the drop out third?

I don't really don't know but it might be easier to install a inexpensive spool off ebay since it does drop out.

just pull the spiders and weld em up, drope em back in and bolt everything back up, or buy a mini-spool like i did for $45 with hardend pin, less of a hassle if you ask me, and i have yet to break anything

I started with several and never broke one i jus open case halves and tack the side gear then the spiders in and weld an much as you can
only problem is when you break a axle it is ussually at the spliner and trashes the carrier
I then went to a 28 spline mini with standard pin lasted several years with several broken axles I was able to disasemble and drive broken peices out
broke that housing so I built a new one with 31 spline Moser axles and a 31 spline mini spool with hardened pin it lasted 2 years then pin broke 2 times in 2 months so now I installed full spool and hope it holds up

what was this in? i got the 31 spline and my mini-spool is still holding up on 35's with the stock pin, i have yet to install the hardend pin and havent broken a single axel (all stock)

it was in my 75 bronco 302 435/205 with cut q buck shots
http://img499.imageshack.us/img499/360/broncoparts0119ll.jpg

i was just curious since i don't really know how to set up gears and crap and i plan to replace the third when i regear any way, how hard is it to install a mini??

i was just curious since i don't really know how to set up gears and crap and i plan to replace the third when i regear any way, how hard is it to install a mini??

not hard, after you install the mini, you are almost half way done with the gear setup.

if you've never messed with them, you'll have to use a dial indicator and some spanner wrenches, and you'll have to check the gear pattern when you are done (at least, you probably should).

I just pulled everything apart then gutted the spiders and limited slip out then put the mini in the middle of the carrier and put the pin back in (stock)
and set the ring gear and carrier back into the 3rd and set the back lash by feeling no special tools or nothin and re assembled, and I have yet to break anything and I am runnun a 466/4 speed/208 and 35s on a stock mini spooled 31 spline 9 inch with 3.50 gears.