I have two Ford 9" axles from Early Broncos both are big bearing. One from a 66' had 11'' drums 1 3/4" shoes 1/2" backplate studs. The second is from a 74" has 10" drums 2 1/4" shoes. This one is considered a medium duty axle, I guess because the backing plate studs are only 3/8".

The question is does this really make much of a differance in the stength of the axle?
If it does can this medium duty axle be up graded?

If its a Ford 9 it can be upgraded.

If its a Ford 9 it can be upgraded.

But is it really necessary for strenght of the axle?

get weld on spindles from rockcrusher.com and make it a ff9"

get weld on spindles from rockcrusher.com and make it a ff9"

That web site doesn't come up. Rockcrusher merged with another company(Now called Solid Axle Industries).
But I didn't see any 9" products only D60's.

The '74 axle has what are known as Torino ends. The shaft and bearing is the same as a big bearing axle. The Torino pattern is what is used on the 8.8" axles so upgrades like the Explorer rear disks are easy.
http://webpages.charter.net/w01845730/pictures/smallford.gifhttp://webpages.charter.net/w01845730/pictures/bigbrgtorino.gifhttp://webpages.charter.net/w01845730/pictures/bigford.gif

The '74 axle has what are known as Torino ends. The shaft and bearing is the same as a big bearing axle. The Torino pattern is what is used on the 8.8" axles so upgrades like the Explorer rear disks are easy.
http://webpages.charter.net/w01845730/pictures/smallford.gifhttp://webpages.charter.net/w01845730/pictures/bigbrgtorino.gifhttp://webpages.charter.net/w01845730/pictures/bigford.gif

yes! A repair shop gave me some Explorer rear brake parts, and they match up perfect.