What is so special about a Ford 9-inch rear end?
The Ford 9-inch rear end is a highly sought-after and renowned automotive component, renowned for its exceptional strength, durability, and versatility. This iconic rear axle assembly has become a staple in the world of high-performance vehicles, from classic muscle cars to modern hot rods and off-road machines.
The Origins of the Ford 9-Inch
The Ford 9-inch rear end first made its debut in the late 1950s, designed to meet the growing demand for a more robust and reliable rear axle system. Ford engineers recognized the need for a rear end that could withstand the increasing power and torque outputs of their vehicles, and the 9-inch design was their answer.
Key Features and Benefits
The Ford 9-inch rear end is renowned for several key features that contribute to its exceptional performance and durability:
- Robust Construction: The 9-inch rear end features a heavy-duty, cast-iron housing that is capable of withstanding immense amounts of stress and abuse. This makes it an ideal choice for high-horsepower applications, where the rear axle is subjected to extreme forces.
- Versatile Gear Ratios: The 9-inch rear end is available in a wide range of gear ratios, allowing enthusiasts to tailor the axle's performance to their specific needs. This flexibility makes the 9-inch a popular choice for both street and racing applications.
- Aftermarket Support: The Ford 9-inch rear end has enjoyed an extensive aftermarket following, with a vast array of performance upgrades and accessories available. This allows owners to further enhance the capabilities of their 9-inch-equipped vehicles.
- Longevity: The 9-inch rear end is renowned for its exceptional longevity, with many examples continuing to perform reliably for decades, even in the most demanding applications.
These features, combined with the 9-inch's reputation for strength and reliability, have made it a staple in the automotive enthusiast community.
Applications and Popularity
The Ford 9-inch rear end has found its way into a wide range of vehicles, from classic muscle cars to modern high-performance machines. Its popularity is particularly evident in the hot rod and drag racing communities, where the 9-inch's ability to handle immense amounts of power and torque is highly valued.
In addition to its use in high-performance applications, the 9-inch rear end has also found a home in off-road vehicles, where its robust construction and versatile gear ratios make it an ideal choice for tackling challenging terrain.
The enduring popularity of the Ford 9-inch rear end is a testament to its exceptional design and engineering, as well as the passionate community of enthusiasts who have embraced it as a true icon of the automotive world.
What is the strongest Ford rear end?
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.
How much power can a stock Ford 9 inch rear end handle?
"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.
What Ford car would explode when rear ended?
The Pinto
The Pinto, a subcompact car made by Ford Motor Company, became infamous in the 1970s for bursting into flames if its gas tank was ruptured in a collision. The lawsuits brought by injured people and their survivors uncovered how the company rushed the Pinto through production and onto the market.
What are the benefits of the 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.
What is the best rear end for drag racing?
The dependable 9 inch Ford rear end has by far the widest application reach. Strange offers an impressive array of internal performance parts, Ford 9 inch spools, ford 9 pinion supports, and ford 9 gear sets to build industry-leading complete drag racing rear ends.
Are Ford and Dodge Dana 60 the same?
Dodge Dana 60s have an axle disconnect, which is considered a weaker and more complex axleshaft design. The split in the housing to accommodate the axle disconnect assembly is also considered weaker than the traditional one-piece axletube found on modern Ford Dana 60 axles.
Why are Ford 9-inch rear ends so popular?
Any guesses on one of the most popular center sections out there? Yup, the Ford nine-inch! They're popular for a few reasons: 1. They're easy to find. Manufacturers started making them around 1957 and ran them all the way up through the 80s. 2. They're tough. 3. They have a drop out center section. Tha.
What are the benefits of the 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.
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.
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).
