Are all Ford 9-inch rear ends the same size?
No, not all Ford 9-inch rear ends are the same size. The Ford 9-inch rear end is a popular and durable rear differential design used in many Ford vehicles, but there are several variations in the housing size and gear ratios that were used over the years.
Differences in Ford 9-Inch Rear End Sizes
The Ford 9-inch rear end was produced in a few different housing sizes to accommodate different vehicle applications and performance needs. The most common sizes are:
- 8.8-inch housing - This is the most common 9-inch rear end, used in many Ford cars and trucks from the 1960s through the 1980s.
- 9-inch housing - This is the standard 9-inch rear end size, used in larger Ford trucks and performance vehicles.
- 9.75-inch housing - This larger housing size was used in heavy-duty Ford trucks and some high-performance applications.li>
In addition to the housing size, the Ford 9-inch rear ends also came with different gear ratios to suit various vehicle needs, ranging from 3.00:1 up to 4.88:1 or higher. The gear ratio determines the balance between acceleration and top speed for the vehicle.
Identifying Ford 9-Inch Rear Ends
To determine the specific size of a Ford 9-inch rear end, you'll need to inspect the housing and measure the diameter. You can also look for casting numbers, tags, or other identifying marks that indicate the model and year. Consulting a Ford parts guide or specialist can also help identify the rear end size and specifications.p>
In summary, while the Ford 9-inch rear end is a common and durable design, there are several variations in housing size and gear ratios that were used over the years. Knowing the specific size and configuration is important when sourcing replacement parts or upgrading a Ford vehicle's rear end.
How much horsepower can a Ford 9 inch rear end hold?
"They're good only to 400hp max," says Tom at Tom's Differentials. "Anything above that should use today's beefed-up, redesigned, nodular-iron aftermarket cases. They're good to 800 hp, if built properly. The next step beyond that would be the high end, completely redesigned, Mark Williams billet-aluminum housing.
When did Ford stop using the 9 inch rear end?
1986
The Ford 9-inch is an automobile axle manufactured by Ford Motor Company. It is known as one of the most popular axles in automotive history. It was introduced in 1957 model year cars and ended production in 1986, having been phased out in favor of the Ford 8.8 inch axle.
How do I identify my Ford rear differential?
The most accurate differential identification is provided by the bottom line of the tag number or axle tube stamp. Differential tags can easily be used to identify Dana and Ford differentials.
How to tell the difference between Ford 8.8 and 9.75 rear end?
On the passenger's side upper and lower corners, there's two semi-circular divots that can easily be seen when looking at the cover from straight on. While the Super 8.8's cover has a bulge for the ring gear, it's not anywhere near as pronounced as the 9.75's.
Are all Ford 9-inch rear ends the same?
We should point out there are three distinct 9-inch axle ends: the late big bearing (Torino) and the early big bearing both take a 3.150-inch od wheel bearing (the difference is in the bolt spacing for the backing plates), the small bearing ends take a 2.834 od bearing with yet a different backing plate bolt pattern.
How do I know what Ford 9 inch rear end I have?
Ford 9 inch rear end identification is easy and can be accomplished with nothing more than a deep socket as a “go-no-go” gauge for the bottom two retaining nuts on the center section. If the socket fits (as shown in our photo below) it is a Ford 8-inch housing.
How wide is the Ford 9 inch rear end?
These axles are 65 inches wide from wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface (a 68-inch-wide E-series van version is also common), feature the legendary 9-inch diameter ring gear, large Timken set 20 axle bearings, semi-floating 28- or 31-spline axleshafts, drum brakes, and a 5-on-5.5 lug pattern.
What is so special about a Ford 9 inch rear end?
Unlike most rear differentials that rely on two bearings to support the pinion gear, the Ford 9-inch employs a three-bearing system. This additional support provides several technical and performance advantages, particularly in high-stress and high-torque applications.
How do you tell what size rear end you have?
The axle may have a sticker, and on the differential cover, you might have a small metal tag that's sticking out that will have the gear ratio stamped on it.
What is the strongest Ford rear end?
What Makes the 9-inch Ford Rearend So Great? From the archives: Legendary tech guru Marlan Davis explains why the 9-inch Ford is the strongest rearend out there—it's all due to “hypoid distance.”
