I saw a article in a older classic truck mag 12 yrs ago about a 50 ford truck that got tubbed with like 15x14 wheels and the cheap rear fix was a 8 inch rear end from a ford maverick whick was around 56 inches in length ,has anyone done this is so how did it work out for ya,my truck will be for show and not a drag truck

 

Why do away with your Ford 9", for the less stout 8"? It's about as strong as you could ever need.

Even the , ahem, Shivvy crowd realizes its' virtues.

 

The 8" is going to have the smaller 5 on 4.5" pattern, and will have a dainty yoke on it as well. Add to that spring perch mods and you might as well stick with the 9er.

 

I agree its plenty stout for what I need but im looking for a rear axle that narrower than the stock 9 inch under there because im going with 12-14 wide wheels ,its hard to find 9 inch rears about 56-57 inches and the ford maverick has a 8 inch which is around this size .

 

Try an Early Bronco, although the Bronco has the big bolt pattern.

An 8.8 from a late Ranger or Explorer will also work. The Explorer perches are on the wrong side, but may work if you are lowering the truck.

The 8" is in short supply and most have open 2.75 gears. Explorer 8.8 will likely be 3.73 / traction lock.

 

8 inch: Myriad 1962/80 Ford/Merc Passenger Cars with 200/250 I-6's & 221/260/289/302 V8's.

2.75 & 3.00 were the most common ratios, Limited Slip was optional.

8" is not rare. For example, 1,660,000 + 1965/66 Mustangs were assembled, probably 80% came with the 8 inch.

 

i don't see why a 8 inch rear wouldn't work for a street driven truck .The chevy guys use the little 7.5 rear from s-10 trucks all the time.if I find one from a ford maverick im gonna use it.i would sonsider the 8.8 ranger rear too .thanks to who ever mentioned it.if I luck up on a 57-59 ford car 9 inch that would be nice too