ford 9" in a k5?

[beastofablaze]

Is it feasable? I want more strength and don't want to give too much clearence. I know you can trim a 14b but how much do ford 9" go for and would I need to shorten it? What rigs have good or bad 9" rear ends?

I had a conversation with a ford guy and he had a good point... chevy makes good engines but the axles are turds. I have access to EVERYTHING I could need to fab a setup at work just need some info.

Anybody done it?

 

[ryan22re]

I'd look for an 80-86 9 inch, with 70-79's being second. You could also convert your d44/10b using ford five lug hubs, or convert the rear to 6 lug (custom axles). Or run 6 lugs up front and 5's out back. Other than the wheel hub patterns, thats the only drawback I see. Good luck on the swap.

I see 9" in the paper drum to drum anywhere from $125 to $400.

 

[BoondocK5]

here is how I see this thing, lotsa old school guys use the 9 incher for race applications, the things work great and will take a lot of punishment, as far as the actual gearset is concerned, tbe shafts are the only thing I can see as the problem, as with racing the shafts twist in half. if someone could design a spool that fits a furd 9 inch AND have it accept atleast 1.75 inch shafts, the thing would rule the world as we now know it, it would have to have larger tubes and a indestructable steering knuckle for the front end. I keep thinking about this combo, maybe I'll just give the boys down at Modine MFG a call and see if their intrested???

 

[PeteH]

Is it feasable? I want more strength and don't want to give too much clearence. I know you can trim a 14b but...quote]

you can shave a nine inch too. 9inch isnt full floating and cost more though. pirate4x4 has a good hybrid 69 if i remember correctly.

 

[ryan22re]

if someone could design a spool that fits a furd 9 inch AND have it accept atleast 1.75 inch shafts, the thing would rule the world as we now know it,

9" spools are available for 40 splines that use 2 inch diameter axle shafts. Most in that range are gun drilled (rear axles). My buddy runs a Strange 9 inch in his drag car with said axles/spool.

All of the rock crawling competition 9's from currie and the like use 40 spline shafts and modified ARB's. The stuff is already out there, no need to find a custom axle builder.

 

[neverendingproject]

Ive heard of people using them in front applications too. Is this right?

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

yes, 9" center section and D60 outers

 

[Beast388]

I believe Bubba Ray Boudreaux here on CK5 has a 9" in his K5. Maybe he will chime in.

 

[mouse]

Is it feasable? I want more strength and don't want to give too much clearence. I know you can trim a 14b but...quote]

you can shave a nine inch too. 9inch isnt full floating and cost more though. pirate4x4 has a good hybrid 69 if i remember correctly.

The 9 inch is one of the easiest to shave as the housing is stamped steel and not cast. You can cut and then weld a flat piece on the bottom. A jeeper friend of mine did this and got an insane shave very easily.

I wouldn't call a 14BFF a turd. Maybe big, maybe heavy, maybe less gearing options, but not a turd. For stock axles, you'll be hard pressed to find one stronger (in a light truck). In my experience tha 14BFF is stronger than a dana 60 or 70 - a friend that runs a shop re-gearing axles was the one who convinced me.

 

[PeteH]

needs some trussing though

 

[beastofablaze]

The 9 inch is one of the easiest to shave as the housing is stamped steel and not cast. You can cut and then weld a flat piece on the bottom. A jeeper friend of mine did this and got an insane shave very easily.

I wouldn't call a 14BFF a turd. Maybe big, maybe heavy, maybe less gearing options, but not a turd. For stock axles, you'll be hard pressed to find one stronger (in a light truck). In my experience tha 14BFF is stronger than a dana 60 or 70 - a friend that runs a shop re-gearing axles was the one who convinced me.

Well If they put a 14bff in 1/2 ton rigs like mine I wouldn't have to spend about a grand to be able to run 37's without snapping my axle shafts. I think a 10bolt up front will be strong enough as long as I keep the bouncing to a minimum.

Beleive me I have no problems with a 14bolt but I'd have to go with tires a couple inches bigger then I already have to equal the ground clearence of a 10blt or 9 inch.


Which brings me to my next question.... how much would it cost me to run 40 splines with 2 inch shafts? Im guessing way too much but can't hurt to ask.

Also is it possible to shave a 10b... I know they are already weak but the case itself is fairly strong as long as your not jumping.

 

[PeteH]

originally posted by peteh? waaaa?

 

[supersize75k5]

Well If they put a 14bff in 1/2 ton rigs like mine I wouldn't have to spend about a grand to be able to run 37's without snapping my axle shafts. I think a 10bolt up front will be strong enough as long as I keep the bouncing to a minimum.

Beleive me I have no problems with a 14bolt but I'd have to go with tires a couple inches bigger then I already have to equal the ground clearence of a 10blt or 9 inch.


Which brings me to my next question.... how much would it cost me to run 40 splines with 2 inch shafts? Im guessing way too much but can't hurt to ask.

Also is it possible to shave a 10b... I know they are already weak but the case itself is fairly strong as long as your not jumping.

lol,


14 bolt... cheap, beafy, unsprung weight, everywhere, and already bolt in place and found stock with your common gear ratio.. easy to set up with its dials for the back lash, 4.10s 4.56 are out there all over.

a ford 9

cool factor.. yes

but they can be pricy since they are desired, wrong lug pattern, do not bolt in, track with is slightly different, and when you do break it you will be responsible for the emotinal breakdown of any autoparts store employee who will try to say a 76 1/2 ton never had a ford nine..



for the price of a pricy custom rear you could built a front 60 and not worry about limping on your 10 bolt..then have money left over for a crappy 14 bolt..
there is a reason the custom axles are on the high end moon buggies $$$$$$$