9" install - U-bolt question
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,298
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
9" install - U-bolt question
When I actually got to looking at my Dana up close, and the 9" I'm pondering installing, I was surprised to see the stock setup uses u-bolts that clamp a plate on top of the axle tube, perpendicular to the spring. I'm used to seeing the u-bolts running around the axle tube, parallel to the springs.
When installing a 9", I can't see that the plate on top (or the bottom) fitting the larger diameter axle tube correctly. So have those of you who intalled a 9" put the u-bolts around the axle tube, parallel to the spring? If so, what did you use for a top plate? I'm confused!
When installing a 9", I can't see that the plate on top (or the bottom) fitting the larger diameter axle tube correctly. So have those of you who intalled a 9" put the u-bolts around the axle tube, parallel to the spring? If so, what did you use for a top plate? I'm confused!
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,014
Likes: 9,967
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Ross,
If you can find the stock lower shock mounts for an F2 or larger truck they will fit the axle tube of the 9" diff (3" OD axle tube). The stock f1 has a 2 1/2" OD axle tube.
The other option is to either hit a wrecking yard and snag a couple of upper plates or fabricate your own plates and then use regular "U" bolts that go around the axle tube. When I installed my 9" I just fabbed a couple of upper plates from some steel I had laying around.
I also had to weld on some lower shock mounts. I think the later 9" rears (after about 1966) had welded on lower shock mounts. I used a couple of weld on lower mounts left over from one of my brother-in-laws rock crawler projects.
Bobby
If you can find the stock lower shock mounts for an F2 or larger truck they will fit the axle tube of the 9" diff (3" OD axle tube). The stock f1 has a 2 1/2" OD axle tube.
The other option is to either hit a wrecking yard and snag a couple of upper plates or fabricate your own plates and then use regular "U" bolts that go around the axle tube. When I installed my 9" I just fabbed a couple of upper plates from some steel I had laying around.
I also had to weld on some lower shock mounts. I think the later 9" rears (after about 1966) had welded on lower shock mounts. I used a couple of weld on lower mounts left over from one of my brother-in-laws rock crawler projects.
Bobby
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,298
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Guess it's time to hit U-pull-it... I have a set of plates from a 9" but they are from a later (80's) 9" and the springs were apparently much wider. Chances of finding F-2 plates looks slim to none unless someone on here has some???
My 9" is a '70 and the lower shock brackets are welded on, but in the wrong place and at an angle. I'm not worried about the shocks at this point, I can weld some on later.
PS Bobby -- I hooked up with a guy in RR who sets up diff's of all kinds, mostly for 4x4's. He'd set you up cheap, he wants high-ratio gears.
My 9" is a '70 and the lower shock brackets are welded on, but in the wrong place and at an angle. I'm not worried about the shocks at this point, I can weld some on later.
PS Bobby -- I hooked up with a guy in RR who sets up diff's of all kinds, mostly for 4x4's. He'd set you up cheap, he wants high-ratio gears.
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,298
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...acement-1.html
This answered my question -- thanks Julie! (tee-hee)
This answered my question -- thanks Julie! (tee-hee)
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
f100/150 from 1957-1996 (IIRC) w/9" axle (and 8.8)
plate for 2.25" width rear springs= 2wd
plate for 3.0" width rear springs= 4x4
F1 width rear springs are 2".
PN: F4TZ-5796-CA are the replacements I got from Jeff's Bronco Graveyard.
Here's another link via google:
F4TZ-5796-CA - Ford PLATE
plate for 2.25" width rear springs= 2wd
plate for 3.0" width rear springs= 4x4
F1 width rear springs are 2".
PN: F4TZ-5796-CA are the replacements I got from Jeff's Bronco Graveyard.
Here's another link via google:
F4TZ-5796-CA - Ford PLATE
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,298
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Havi, did you use those for an F-1? I'd be interested to see what they look like, for instance, are they used with u-bolts parallel to the springs or perpendicular? Is the 1/4" difference worth worrying about? The stock U-bolts do very much bear against the sides of the springs to locate them. Who'd a thunk new Ford parts could be so cheap?!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
They are your standard 9" u-bolt retainer plate. The 9" U-bolt's "U" is on the bottom wrapping around the axle, with the plate above the springs. The 1/4" difference is basically 1/8" per side, and I'm not sure that's enough to worry about, considering clamps on the spring packs are put in place to hold them? (See Chuckrob's pic, he's got them on there) I've used these on other projects, and the F1 came with these on it, though I have not driven it with them, only pulled it around the yard.
If you look close, you can see how the PO mounted this "too wide" 9 inch with the period correct overloads.
If you look close, you can see how the PO mounted this "too wide" 9 inch with the period correct overloads.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 3
From: Sapulpa OK
IIRC Ross, I bought a set of new 3" U-Bolts from a spring shop and they included the plate to fit the springs. I'm not sure what they cost but they couldn't have been more than $50 for the pair.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wyoming4x4
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
3
Aug 6, 2009 06:01 PM