This sounds kinda silly, but this is the first time I've ever gotten into the rear end! I have a '60 F100 w/351M and Cruiseomatic going back to the original 9" 3.70 rear end. The truck runs okay, but by the time it gets up to around 40mph it starts working like I'm going 110!
I picked up a 9" from a '65 Galaxie for a lower gear ratio, and a C6 to give the setup a little beefyness. Anyhow, I want to replace the F100s rear member w/the one from the Galaxie and I'm having a hard time getting it out of the housing. Do you HAVE to pull the axles out to free up the 3rd member? I'm afraid I may have to on both anyway....because I just KNOW those rear ends are going to have different numbers of splines! It's jsut the way it goes....

Help! Gotta get this done! The truck is going to be my driver....
Shane

 

Yes you do need to pull the axles. First take off the brake drums. Their will be a hole in the axle between the studs. The hole will let you get a socket in their to get the 4 bolts out that holds the axle in. Then pull your axle out and hope that the axle bearing is not rusted to the axle housing. If it is than you will need a axle puller it looks like a slide hammer that bolts to your axle flange. Their are other ways to get them out if you don't have the tool. Good luck

 

When I removed the axles I put my feet on the drum back plate and pulled on the axle. On the sided axle it took several good yanks to remove it.

 

I did the same swap 66 galaxy rear into a 59 and didn't have to change axles. You should be fine. If the axles are stubborn and you don't have the slide hammer axle puller try this. Take 6ft. of chain that will fit over the wheel lugs. Put one end on a stud and run the other end through the wheel off the truck then put the free end of the chain on another stud. Snug down a lug nut on each end of the chain. Now swing the wheel between your legs and jerk the axle out. Check the axle bearings and seals, replace if needed. Once the axles are out remove the nuts around the pumpkin and pull it straight out this may also take some persuasion.

 

You're going in the right direction.....3.70 is way too tall for automatics. You'll want gears in the 2.25 or 2.50 range behind an auto tranny.

Pay attention to all the details if you have to change axles. Ford used ball bearing and tapered roller bearings on the 9" rears as well as the 28/31 spine issue that you're aware of.

 

Thanks to all you guys who have given me some good ideas on this. She'll be my daily driver starting next month when we move to Kansas...I'm goin' after a Bachelor's degree in Antique Auto Restoration! Now, if I can only get the brake drums free....DOH!