What Ford came with a 9 inch rear end?
The Ford 9-inch rear end is one of the most iconic and sought-after components in the automotive world, known for its strength, durability, and versatility. It has been a favorite among car enthusiasts, racers, and restorers for decades. But which Ford vehicles originally came equipped with this legendary rear end? Let’s dive into the details.
What Is the Ford 9-Inch Rear End?
The Ford 9-inch rear end refers to a type of rear axle assembly that was manufactured by Ford Motor Company. It gets its name from the diameter of the ring gear inside the differential housing. This rear end is renowned for its ability to handle high horsepower and torque, making it a popular choice for performance applications.
Ford Vehicles That Came with a 9-Inch Rear End
The Ford 9-inch rear end was introduced in 1957 and was used in a variety of Ford vehicles over the years. Below is a list of some of the most notable models that came equipped with this rear end from the factory:
- Ford F-Series Trucks (1957-1986): Many Ford F-100, F-150, and F-250 trucks were equipped with the 9-inch rear end, especially those with heavy-duty or performance packages.
- Ford Mustang (1965-1973): High-performance versions of the early Ford Mustangs, such as the GT, Boss 302, and Shelby GT350, often came with the 9-inch rear end.
- Ford Galaxie (1959-1974): The Galaxie, particularly the high-performance models, featured the 9-inch rear end to handle the power of its big-block engines.
- Ford Fairlane (1957-1970): The Fairlane, especially the Thunderbolt drag racing variant, utilized the 9-inch rear end for its strength and reliability.
- Ford Torino (1968-1976): Performance-oriented Torinos, such as the Cobra and GT models, were equipped with the 9-inch rear end.
- Mercury Cougar (1967-1973): The Cougar, a sibling to the Mustang, also featured the 9-inch rear end in its high-performance trims.
Why Is the Ford 9-Inch Rear End So Popular?
The Ford 9-inch rear end has gained legendary status for several reasons:
- Strength: Its robust design can handle significant amounts of horsepower and torque, making it ideal for racing and high-performance applications.
- Ease of Maintenance: The removable third member (or "pumpkin") allows for quick and easy gear ratio changes and repairs.
- Aftermarket Support: A vast array of aftermarket parts and upgrades are available, ensuring its continued use in custom builds and restorations.
- Versatility: It can be adapted to fit a wide range of vehicles, not just Fords, thanks to its modular design.
Conclusion
The Ford 9-inch rear end is a testament to Ford's engineering prowess and remains a cornerstone of automotive performance culture. Whether you're restoring a classic Ford or building a custom hot rod, the 9-inch rear end is a reliable and powerful choice. If you’re considering upgrading your vehicle or need advice on maintaining your Ford’s rear end, feel free to reach out to us at Kevin’s Autos for expert guidance!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Fords have a 9-inch rear end?
Common applications
- 1957-1986 Ford F-100 & F-150.
- 1958-1960 Edsel (All series including Wagons)
- 1976-1980 Ford Granada.
- 1976-1979 Lincoln Versailles.
- 1957-1970 Ford Fairlane.
- 1957-1971 Ford Thunderbird.
- 1964 1/2-1973 Ford Mustang.
- 1966-1983 Ford Bronco.
How to tell if you have a 9-inch Ford rear end?
And this lip right here is for to to house the larger bearing you can see the same lip on my 75. Right here with the 11 inch rear drum.
Did Ford make a 9-inch front axle?
When they were being built by Ford, 9-inch axles were intended to be used as rear axles only. Junkyard shoppers, take note. So those who wanted the strength of a 9-inch in front had to make some changes to the differential's design.
What years did Ford make the 292?
Entry-level Mercurys ran a 312 through 1960, and a 292 in '61-62. A 292 also powered Edsel Rangers in 1959-60 and remained the only V8 available in Ford's light trucks through 1964. And then the Y-block faded into something between obscurity and infamy.
Is a Dana 60 stronger than a Ford 9-inch?
The Ford 9-inch pinion is mounted lower in the carrier and has the greatest hypoid offset, which causes it to consume more power to drive it than the Dana 60 or GM 12-bolt. The Dana 60 has so much mass it too consumes a lot of power to drive (although many say it feels slightly less than a 9-inch Ford).
What's so great 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.
Why does everyone use the Ford 9-inch rear end?
For automotive enthusiasts and racers, the Ford 9-inch rearend is a virtually standard component, not only because of its strength but also due to its serviceability and customization potential. One of the reasons it has remained so popular for decades is the sheer volume of aftermarket support it enjoys.
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.
Why is a Ford 9 inch rear end so good?
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.
When did Ford come out with the 9-inch rear end?
1986
Ford's 9-inch rearend was produced from 1957 through 1986. At one time or another, it was installed in nearly every Ford passenger car and truck.
