This is in reference to my '82 F150 with the factory 9" rear axle.

I have been thinking of doing an upgrade to improve the traction of the truck in preparation for my move. I have already decided on using one of Detroits Tru Tracs as it provides the best of both worlds between a posi and a open axle but does not require the special additive that clutch style posi require.

My original plan was to purchase a bare 9" housing as my base and build it with used factory gears (haven't seen any new production 2.75:1 ring and pinion) then all I would have to do is simply unbolt my old unit and swap my "new" unit in.

Thing is I have a few questions that I am going to post below.

1. I have heard you can use the car housings but they are not as strong as the truck housings. Anyone know where one could find a housing that is comparable to the oem truck housings?

2. What about aftermarket housings? I want to keep my costs down as this is not being built for extreme performance or for actual heavy off roading. Just a street truck that will be driving down dirt roads from time to time that might or might not be muddy/wet after a rain.


I haven't done this kind of upgrade before so I am trying to learn and plan it out, I will be setting it up myself with the help of a guy at work but I just need to find the parts and make the purchases to get to the assembly stage.

 

I think I'd be hitting the junk yards. There should be millions to choose from and the cost cheep. If you can't find the gear ratio you need you could pick up after market ring and pinion. Good luck with it and let us know how it comes out.

 

What's the matter with the housing in your truck?

Or are you talking about the pumpkin?

You may still be able to find either the pumpkin or entire assembly in the jy as billions were sold and they're not all picked over yet.

Currie Enterprises sells all types of stuff, and there are others as well.

Currie Enterprises

 

Nothing wrong with whats in my truck. I just wanted to build on another pumpkin then all i have to do is swap the center sections vs putting the truck down for days.

I will be hitting junkyards as i just want a bare housing. I can find 2.75 gears on ebay easily but ive heard the higher gears like this used a different offset housing to accomidate the larger pinion. Big reason why i want to do my research unless i get one of my other vehicles running and put the truck down for a few days to just use my pumpkin and gears and just swap out the carrier.

 

I also would be open to a new production iron center chunk bare to build my spare set if need be. I didn't get the chance to hit up the local junk yards this weekend but I do need to finish my research and find out what I need as theres two different sizes offered in the Currie or Strange brand bare 9 inch center sections. Need to make sure I get the right one as it looks like one has a larger pinion bore for use with a larger pinion.

If I remember right I read that the 2.75:1 gear set had the large pinion but don't want to make a purchase till I am positive. Hate to make a $400 mistake.

 

Do yourself a favor and don't spend any money on a TrueTrac. They are junk. I would run a trash lock before I'd ever waste money on one of those again. They don't work worth a crap and are week. I tried one some time ago, what a huge mistake that was.

 

Here's a link to Summit just to give you an idea what they have available at what cost. I just recently rebuilt a 9" out of a 72 F100 and my budget build ended up being anything but that as I used all new parts including 3.25 R&P and a Trac-Loc. Anyway you could call Summit, Currie, or Randys to get your answer about the taller gears fitting. I'm definitely no expert (this was my first RE build) but it runs smooth and quiet . I thought I would give you my 2 cents. Best of luck. Third Member Case Only - differential-cases - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing