Hi All, I have a question regarding axle compatibility. I have an 2001 F150 with an H9 axle code, I know this is a 3.55 limited slip. My pinion is shot! Not having an issue spinning wrenches myself I figure I will simply get a complete rear end from the wrecker and swap them out. My question is.. Is a H9 from a pre '97 truck a compatible swap? I know this is also a 3.55 limited slip, but will the housing length be the same? Will the leaf and shock mount be in the same place? Unfortunately, I cannot simply roll under my truck and measure to compare as I live in a boat in community, so my truck only come into town when the iceroad opens, and I would like to fix this before then.
Thanks for the help.

 

An H9 axle is an H9 axle. A complete axle swap is doable. and in my opinion, not from experience so I can't establish my credibility, would be easier than tearing into the axle. Many people have done what you are trying to do.

To be sure try to get a 2001 H1 axle. If your truck is two wheel drive, which I don't think it is since you have an ice road then, then you could throw any axle of the same size on there, different ratios wouldn't matter except in your speedo.

 

Thanks, that is what I figured and yes it is a 4x4. I will try to find one from '01 but our wrecking yard is literally a pile of trucks, parts are free but you have to dig to get them, and there aren't too many intact axles to pick from. I have found two so far, one is on an older model truck already flipped over, the other is on a newer model but would require an excavator to get to.

 

You need a axle from a 97-03 f-150, cant use the expedition axle(coils and 4 link) or a pre 97 or a 04+.

 

97-03 like bobby said. don't know if this includes the 04 heritage though.

 

It should include it I believe, as long as it isnt 7 lug.

 

one issue you might have with an older axle is it will be a drum brake instead of disc brake. Pretty sure you have rear disc brakes. try and get one exact makes things simple.

 

Thanks for the help. I do have discs, but I have done some research and it looks like I can use an axle that is set up with drums, just swap out the drums etc for my discs. It is a lot more work, but it is doable. Obviously a disc axle would make my life a lot easier, so that is what I am looking for, but beggars can't be choosers.

 

I was told to go from drums to disc in the rear you would need to do said axle swap so how are planning to convert the brakes back to disc?

 

I am pretty sure, but not 100%, that you can convert a drum axle to disc. The housings from backing plate flange to flange are the same, as are the axle shafts. To convert you pull the axle shaft, stripping all the hardware and removing the backing plate by the four bolts holding it to the axle housing. Then 'simply' attach your disc backing plate, e-brake hardware, reinstall the axle and then the rotor, caliper bracket etc. Not exactly easy, but doable.
Feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

 

That sounds like it would work, not by experience but just after what I saw from doing my axle seals with disc brakes it seems like it would work, had to take off all that hardware to clean all the parts because they were doused with axle lube that collected dirt and brake dust and turned to grease, that shiz got everywhere.

 

Maybe on the 8.8... but I dont believe you could for the 9.75. I have looked at a few different 9.75s and the drum and disk brake flanges are different.