5 lug vs. 8 lug...
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New User
Joined: Aug 2002
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5 lug vs. 8 lug...
I'm considering a swap to a five lug 9-inch rear (and a matching 5 lug swap on the front) on my '67 F250 (from the existing D60), mainly because I have a plethora of 9-inch carriers with different gears in my shop and I have no technical knowledge of Danas... my question is that, keeping mind that my main goal with this truck is a "classy road tractor" to tow my Cougar and Mustang, am I losing much in the way of capability here, in your opinion?
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2003
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Check the ratings...
I suspect you will find the 9 inch not as capable, principally because its not a full floating axle. A 9 inch axle is rated at 3300 lbs, and a D60 is 5200. For towing, the 9 inch just won't support the weight.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 976
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From: SOUTH CAROLINA
if you have a solid engine and tranny and you gear the truck for the purpose you are going to use it for you should be fine. if you're gonna tow set it up that way. i have yet to tear up a 9 in. just from towing. usually its from snatching gears when i shouldnt have in the wrong gear, with a buzz, and a couple times going the wrong way. reverse burnouts are real bad on trannys too.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
> am I losing much in the way of capability here, in your opinion?
Yes, a huge amount. Though the 9" will tow just fine with a single light car and trailer. I tow heavy dual axle trailers with no problems, though not for long distances (less then 30 miles). For 1,000 miles I might reconsider. As for rating, you are putting less then 700 pounds on the rear axle I would hope.
I would keep the 8 lug. Why? Because of the bigger wheel studs and more of them clamp the wheel to the axle so it can support more load and shear force. It is full floating which is always a positive while towing or doing anything else. Plus, for that load you are towing if it is on a regular basis (once a month) you would want tires with a load D/E rating for the stiff sidewalls. The highest load rating in a 15" tire is usually C.
Yes, a huge amount. Though the 9" will tow just fine with a single light car and trailer. I tow heavy dual axle trailers with no problems, though not for long distances (less then 30 miles). For 1,000 miles I might reconsider. As for rating, you are putting less then 700 pounds on the rear axle I would hope.
I would keep the 8 lug. Why? Because of the bigger wheel studs and more of them clamp the wheel to the axle so it can support more load and shear force. It is full floating which is always a positive while towing or doing anything else. Plus, for that load you are towing if it is on a regular basis (once a month) you would want tires with a load D/E rating for the stiff sidewalls. The highest load rating in a 15" tire is usually C.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
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From: Near Fresno, California
You also have to consider brakes - the 3/4 ton brakes are massive. 1/2 ton stuff would work, but if you ever needed them bad you will be wishing you had kept the 3/4 ton rotors and big drums.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 97,701
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
If there is any amount of towing then the 3/4 ton rear end and 16 inch tires are better. Not as many gear ratios are availble for the 3/4 tons though. For bigger loads, something over 2,000 pounds trailer brakes are a must and safer.
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