How wide is the Ford 9?
The Ford 9-Inch rear axle is defined by a 9-inch ring gear, but its overall width isn’t fixed. Depending on the housing length and configuration, hub-to-hub widths typically fall in the roughly 53 to 63 inches range across common models.
Understanding what “Ford 9-Inch” means
The term “Ford 9-Inch” refers to a robust, semi-floating differential design that uses a 9-inch-diameter ring gear. It became a staple in many Ford passenger cars and trucks from the 1960s onward and remains popular in hot rods and restorations because of its strength, aftermarket support, and compatibility with a variety of gearing options. Width, however, is determined by the specific housing length and brake/drum setup chosen for a given vehicle.
Key specification: ring gear diameter
At the heart of the designation is the ring gear itself, which measures 9 inches in diameter. This dimension is what gives the axle its common name and is the primary reason users refer to it when discussing strength and gear options. The ring gear size is more standardized than the overall housing width, which varies widely by application.
Width variants and what to expect
Width is primarily dictated by the housing length (short, standard, or long) and the brake drum or rotor arrangement. Here are typical ranges you may encounter in common street and racing builds.
- Short housing: roughly 53.0 to 54.5 inches hub-to-hub.
- Standard/medium-length housing: roughly 56.0 to 57.5 inches hub-to-hub.
- Long housing (drag/competition setups): roughly 60.0 to 63.0 inches hub-to-hub.
These figures are general guidelines. Exact width can vary based on year, model, drum or disc brake setup, axle tube diameter, and whether the assembly has been rebuilt or aftermarket-flanged. When planning a swap or a build, verify the precise measurement for the specific housing you intend to use.
How to measure your Ford 9-Inch width
Knowing the exact width of a particular installation is essential for clearance and wheel fitment. Here’s a practical approach to determine width on a vehicle or a spare housing.
- Park the car on a level surface and chock the wheels. If measuring a removed axle, secure the housing on a stable stand.
- Measure hub-to-hub width: place a tape measure across the outside of the axle flanges or wheel mounting surfaces from one drum/hub face to the opposite side’s corresponding face.
- Record the measurement with the wheels and tires installed if you’re sizing for a wheel-and-t tire package, or with the drums removed if you’re inspecting the bare housing.
Accurate measurement helps prevent wheel clearance issues, incorrect spacer needs, or rubbing with fenders. If you’re converting to a different width (for example, from a short to a long housing for drag racing), consult the axle manufacturer or a professional shop to confirm compatibility with your springs, shocks, and wheels.
Common variants and applications
Beyond width, the Ford 9-Inch comes in several configurations to fit different vehicles and performance goals. Understanding these can help you pick the right setup for a restoration or a build.
- Housing lengths: short, standard, and long are the primary determinants of overall width.
- Axle spline counts: 28-spline, 31-spline, and other variants affect strength and drive train compatibility, particularly for high-torce applications.
- Brake options: drum brakes are typical in classic builds, while many modern applications use disc brakes; this affects flange spacing and overall width.
- Gearing options: compatible with a wide range of gear ratios to suit street, strip, or road-racing goals.
With aftermarket support, builders can source short, standard, or long 9-Inch housings, as well as narrowed or widened assemblies to fit modern wheels and suspension setups. Always verify the exact width and mounting geometry for your specific combination before purchasing components or starting a swap.
Practical considerations for enthusiasts
When planning a restoration or a performance build, width compatibility matters as much as gear choice. A mismatched width can cause wheels to rub, misalignment with springs and shocks, or interference with exhaust and fuel lines. If you’re replacing an original axle or performing a swap, measure the current setup, compare with the intended housing option, and consult manufacturers’ specifications or a qualified shop.
Summary
In short, the Ford 9-Inch rear axle is defined by its 9-inch ring gear, but its width varies with housing length and configuration. Typical hub-to-hub widths range from about 53 inches for short housings to roughly 63 inches for long housings. For accurate planning, measure your current setup or confirm specifications with the parts supplier, especially if you’re swapping to a different housing length, braking system, or wheel combination. The Ford 9-Inch remains a flexible, widely supported platform for both classic restorations and modern performance builds.
How wide is a Ford F 150 in inches?
78.9 inches long. 51.1 inches wide. 21.4 inches high. Cargo box volume of 62.3 cubic feet.
What is the width of a Ford 9-inch rear end?
A Ford 9-inch rear end can range in width from approximately 57.25 to 69.25 inches, with a variety of widths available depending on the specific vehicle it came from. For example, a 1966-67 Mustang version is around 57.25 inches wide, while a 1974-86 full-size F-150 or Bronco can be up to 65 inches wide.
| Width (inches) | Example Vehicle |
|---|---|
| 57.25 | 1966-67 Mustang |
| 58 | 1966 Bronco, 1964 Falcon |
| 59.25 | 1967-70 Mustang |
| 65 | 1974-86 full-size F-150 or Bronco |
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To determine the exact width of a specific rear end, measure the distance between the axle flanges on the ends of the axle tubes, as shown in this Reddit post.
How wide is the Dana 80?
The width of a Dana 80 axle varies by application, with common "wheel mount surface to wheel mount surface" widths including 65", 67", 69", and 72". For example, the dual rear wheel (DRW) Dana 80 on a Ram 3500 is typically 72 inches wide, while a single rear wheel (SRW) version might be 70 inches wide.
| Width (inches) | Common Application |
|---|---|
| 65" | Some custom builds or older applications |
| 67" | Some custom builds |
| 69" | Standard width for some 1-ton GM trucks |
| 70" | Common width for some SRW Ford and Ram trucks |
| 72" | Common for DRW (dual rear wheel) Ford and Ram trucks |
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Is a Ford 9-inch stronger than a 12 bolt?
The Ford 9.000-inch ring gear has a size advantage over the 12-bolt's 8.875-inch ring gear, though not by that much. The Ford's larger ring gear, in addition to its greater offset relative to the pinion, yields a tooth contact area deeper than a GM 12-bolt, making the Ford stronger.
