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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

9 inch rear's differences

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Old Apr 20, 2003 | 05:43 PM
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9 inch rear's differences

I have a 1984 F150 reg cab 4x2 with a 9 inch rear end and a 351w. Today I was pulling my passenger side axle shaft out because it is in rough shape and I was going to replace it with an axle shaft from a 77 F150 s/c 4x2. I pulled the 77 then pulled the 84's and when I went to put the 77's in the 84's it fit fine except the backing plate didn't fit. The Backing plates bolt holes were much further apart, almost a half inch and the bolt's are much bigger as well. I am just wondering if the super cabs 9 inch rear ends are heavier or something like that. By the way they are both a 31 spline.

I also have a 78 F100 with a 9 inch rear end it is a regular cab, will this one work or do I have to find a newer 9 inch?

Thanks, Mike
 
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Old Apr 20, 2003 | 06:14 PM
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9 inch rear's differences

I'm not into 9s, but I know there were some called "big-bearing" axles, so that's probably what the '77 is. Get a vernier caliper or maybe just a tape measure and compare the '84 bolt pattern to the '78. In any case, you should be able to take the axle shaft you like to a machine shop & have them press the '84 retaining plate onto it.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2003 | 07:27 PM
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9 inch rear's differences

The 77 is probably a big bearing shaft, while your 84 is a late big bearing with a different bolt pattern(same as the 8.8"... )
The 78, you'll have to check it, I know it's 31 spline, but, not which bearing style.
Evan
 
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Old Apr 20, 2003 | 08:09 PM
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9 inch rear's differences

If anyone is ever looking for in depth info.

Check my Links in my gallery section.

http://66.96.130.106/archives/2002/0...ch/index.shtml
 
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Old Apr 20, 2003 | 09:51 PM
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9 inch rear's differences

Ok heres an update. The 78 has the big bearing type axle as well so I am kinda stuck for now. When I have the small bearing axle out of my 84 and I am looking at it, I can move the bearing and backing plate up and down and spin them. They move up and down probably about 1/2 of an inch which I am thinking is not good at all. Now the question is, is my axle shaft Done and should I build one of the big bearing axles to swap in or is this going to be as simple as just getting the bearing and backing plate pressed on. I know it is tough to tell without seeing it but all help is appretiated.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2003 | 11:48 PM
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9 inch rear's differences

You're probably gonna be a lot better off swapping an 8.8" in. They're just as strong as the 9", but have more aftermarket support and are cheaper to buy & work on.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2003 | 11:57 PM
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9 inch rear's differences

Steve83, thanks for the input. I am going to stay with the 9 because I have 2 spares in my yard and for what I use it for the strength will be needed. I will take it into work tomorrow and see what they can figure out. Thanks again
 
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 12:08 AM
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9 inch rear's differences

Originally posted by steve83
8.8" in. They're just as strong as the 9"
 
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 12:13 AM
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9 inch rear's differences

I realize you said that but to play devils advocate why don't all the hot rodders and 4x4ers use them?
 
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 12:18 AM
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9 inch rear's differences

The old-timers haven't figured it out yet. Most of the new guys are finding the many virtues of the 8.8", like a greater variety of suspensions and accessories. Check out the back of a 4.6L Expedition: 4-link; coils; disks; oversize axleshafts/bearings/tubes... Sweet!
 
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 12:22 AM
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9 inch rear's differences

Just yesterday i put some rebuilt axles (new bearings and seals) in my truck. Anyway the axles are out of 75 and they had the older style bearing with the better seals. Anyway with the baking plate just take an air grinder and enlarge the holes inward in equal lenghts (takes about 5 minutes) and there ya go. Be sure to use washers on the drum side. Anyway the bolt patterns are the same. But if you change one side be sure the other axle is a matching one with the same type of seal and bearing. If you have any more questions on this e-mail me and i'll try my best to answer them.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 12:23 AM
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9 inch rear's differences

Well not that you called me one but I don't consider myself an old timer yet. I have a 97 Expedition right now and its decent but not built for huge power. The truck is strictly for street as I have my 79 for 4x4ing so I want to street reliability but doesn't need to be able to take an off road beating. I also have to stress the 2 sitting in my yard factor as well.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 12:25 AM
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9 inch rear's differences

Thanks Cody that will work, this adds to the why the heck didn't I think of that column.
 
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Old Apr 23, 2003 | 10:58 PM
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9 inch rear's differences

yep no problem
 
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Old Apr 25, 2003 | 12:48 AM
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9 inch rear's differences

Well The bearing ended up being on backwards so we flipped it and pressed it then re sealed it and put it back in the truck and like so its good as new. Thanks for all the help folks.
 
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