When did Ford stop using the 9-inch rear end?
Ford stopped using the 9-inch rear end in the late 1970s, transitioning to newer and more advanced rear axle designs. The 9-inch rear end was a popular and durable rear differential used in many Ford vehicles for decades, but as technology progressed, Ford moved on to more modern solutions.
The History of the Ford 9-Inch Rear End
The Ford 9-inch rear end was first introduced in 1957 and quickly became a staple in Ford's lineup of trucks, muscle cars, and performance vehicles. It was known for its ruggedness, reliability, and ability to handle high horsepower and torque loads. The 9-inch rear end was used in a wide range of Ford models, including the Mustang, Thunderbird, Galaxie, and F-Series trucks.
The 9-inch rear end was a robust and versatile design, with a large ring gear and a sturdy housing that could withstand the demands of high-performance driving. It was a popular choice among enthusiasts and racers, who appreciated its durability and ability to be easily modified and upgraded.
The Transition to Newer Rear Axle Designs
By the late 1970s, Ford began to phase out the 9-inch rear end in favor of newer and more advanced rear axle designs. These newer designs offered several advantages over the 9-inch, including:
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Newer rear axle designs were more efficient, helping to improve the fuel economy of Ford's vehicles.
- Reduced Weight: The newer designs were often lighter than the heavy 9-inch rear end, contributing to better handling and performance.
- Enhanced Safety Features: Newer rear axle designs incorporated advanced safety features, such as improved braking systems and better stability control.
As Ford continued to develop and refine its vehicle lineup, the 9-inch rear end became less and less common, eventually being phased out entirely by the early 1980s.
The Legacy of the Ford 9-Inch Rear End
Despite being phased out, the Ford 9-inch rear end remains a beloved and iconic component among enthusiasts and collectors. Its durability, reliability, and performance characteristics have made it a popular choice for classic car restoration and high-performance builds. Even today, the 9-inch rear end is still widely used in the aftermarket and in various racing applications.
The Ford 9-inch rear end's legacy as a rugged and dependable component has cemented its place in automotive history, and it continues to be a sought-after and respected part among Ford enthusiasts and performance enthusiasts alike.
What is the strongest Ford rear end?
9-inch Ford
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.”
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.
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.
What Fords had 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.
When did Ford stop making the 9-inch rear end?
You wouldn't swap any of those parts under your 4x4 today, but the 9-inch still enjoys incredible popularity. In fact, despite being discontinued by Ford in 1986 in favor of the 8.8 axle, there are more 9-inch parts on the market now than ever before.
What is the difference between 8.8 and 9-inch rear end?
One of the main differences between the 8.8 and the 9-inch is the pinion location. The 9-inch's pinion is offset lower on the ring gear than that of the 8.8. This low position adds strength, but it saps power and creates noise, making the 8.8 relatively silent by comparison.
What years did Ford use the 8.8 rear end?
Common Applications
1983-1996 Ford Bronco. 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. 1991-2011 Ford Ranger 4.0L models. 1991-2001 Ford Explorer (Solid axle)
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.
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).
Why is the Ford 8.8 rear end so popular?
And Broncos especially the four-wheel drive models and those with bigger engines. But not always because mine's a 300. And it's got an 8.8.
