Find a '57-'60 Ford 9" rear , install a set of 3:50 gears & let
it eat .

 

Okay, I dug into it a bit more this evening after work...I'm screwed, there is more damage inside, so now I'm talking all new internals. I might as well just swap the axle out with something (better?). I'm incredibly novice in differentials or axle swaps. Can anyone help me out on what to do to get started? Truck is stock at the moment, but won't be in a few years.

 

Is the F100 9" a direct bolt on, or at least for the most part? Should I stay in that age range of 57-60?

 

Here is a link to help identify the 9" when you locate one. Several different gear ratios to choose from. I believe that up to 1971 is a direct bolt in. Best to find a takeout with the shock and spring hardware if you can. I have been looking out my way and had a couple of guys try to sell a later axle as the earlier one, the tags help to identify them and the ratios.

Ford Rear Axle Assembly Identification - Page 01 - FORDification.com

 

If you want a total direct bolt-in, look for a 48-50 Dana/Ford 41 with 3.73 ratio that someone is swapping out for a 9". Gives you a little better highway gears, and it will bolt right in. Just need to get a different gear for the speedo.

Any F-100 9" from 57 - 72 will have spring perches the right spacing (width), and will have brakes that are compatible with your stock brakes and e-brake. Your driveshaft will be a little over an inch too short, so it needs to be replaced or you need to buy a new front yoke that is longer. Your shocks won't have a lower mount, so ones need to be added to the axle or to the new lower spring plates. New lower spring plates and new u-bolts are needed. There's not an easy way to correct the speedo for ratios of 3.50 or lower. You'll likely need to shim the perches to get the correct pinion angle. I would figure on the 9" needing to be at least gone thru to verify condition, and new wheel bearings and seals would be prudent. The brakes may need work too. Depending which exact axle you get, your D44 brakes may just bolt on.

No matter which way you go, while the axle is out, check your spring pins and bushings. Check the springs for broken leaves.

 

Just out of curiosity, take a look at this

http://elmira.craigslist.org/pts/5065166733.html

What do you think?

 

Again, Eric, I've got an assembly out of a 54. You can have it for what I paid another FTE member.







0

 

Depending on condition, that could be a great deal. Some extra saleable parts. Should be a 3.73 BUT it could be a 4.27, need to verify.

What ratio is it?

 

I have been following this thread, man what a bummer! Any idea now where the bolt head came from? It's making me want to inspect mine now!

JB

 

Not a clue...my only thought is that there was previous work done in the diff and it was left in there by PO or repair facility

 

If it's in good condition, you sould be good to go. He's been sitting on it for a couple months now. Offer him $50 and see what he says.

 

Took the cover off my spare today. The bolts that hold the ring gear to the carrier have an 11/16" wrench size head. So some work must have been done along the line. My spare axle has a 3.92 ratio. Even still has the tag on the cover.

 

I have a Dana 44 3.92 out of a 52 F1, I just picked up from a guy in KY who swapped in a 9" after changing engines. I have about $50 in gas fo the trip to get it. You are welcome to it for $50 if you want it, but I'm in TN. Not sure how much the shipping would be, could check with Fastenal for a rate from zip 38555, if you have a store near you.

 

Good evening everyone...I went out to meet George today (GLR), and thanks to him, i was able to pickup another axle for my truck! Got home and got the brake drums off and differential cover, and am trying to diagnose a DIFFERENT noise than the axle that is currently on my truck. The one is that is currently on my truck, if you watched the video, is clearly a ring/pinion noise...the one I picked up today seems to have a different noise, this time in the spider gears possibly...ring/pinion sounds fine. I am fairly novice on differentials, and am in the process of learning. I made another video, click the link below to take a look...any ideas on diagnosis on this one? I'm sure, between the two, I can make a good one considering they are two different problems, but just want to get an opinion on what you all think about it.

 

Sounds pretty normal to me.