Ford 9'

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Jun 10, 2001 | 09:06 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Ford 9'

Jun 21, 2001 | 03:06 PM

nickc84

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Ford 9'

How do I know if I have a 9' in my 85 F-150? From the door jam code I have 3.55LS, but I would like to know if its a 8.8' or 9'. What is the difference between the two, and why is the 9 used so much in hot rods and other restored cars? And why is it so special?
Thanks,
Nick
"Speed equals money how fast do you want to go?"

Jun 21, 2001 | 06:27 PM

brown 4x4

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From: Nebraska

Ford 9'

The 9" rear has a non-removable cover and the 8.8" has a removable cover. The 9" is supposed to be alot tougher than the 8.8, although I've never had a problem with either.

Jun 21, 2001 | 07:55 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Ford 9'

Previous poster is correct about the covers. The 8.8 has a rear sheetmetal cover(which your 85 probably has). Hot rod guys like 9 inchers because the whole pumpkin comes out of the front of the rear, making gear ratio swapping easy with no complicated gear set-up. The 8.8 is pretty strong but I do not like the way the wheel bearings run directly on the axle.