Installing a 9" in a 55
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New User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Farmington
Installing a 9" in a 55
Ok Guys, I have a 9" out of a 73 Cougar that I want to put into my 55. I'm removing a 8" from a 76 Granada that is locked. There has to be more to it when I weld new axle perches in such as angles, etc. Anyone got any tips or links to good articles on the subject?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
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From: Iowa
Kmart
It truly is the simplest major component mod I can think of provided the width of your donor is correct. Axle spring perch location is the most critical issue. A few other items of note. You seem aware of driveshaft angle. John Niolon (jniolon) had an article on that subject on his page. Probably still there.
1. U bolts have to match your plate size.
2. If your dropping the truck, get the lower shock mounts as low, and the uppers as high as you dare. Adequate travel is possible but don't cheat yourself out of any travel with shorter than necessary shocks. I put my exhaust on first like a fool and it was a PITA to get the shocks around the tails without compromising travel. If yur truck is stock height, it isn't an issue.
All I can think of, good luck.
It truly is the simplest major component mod I can think of provided the width of your donor is correct. Axle spring perch location is the most critical issue. A few other items of note. You seem aware of driveshaft angle. John Niolon (jniolon) had an article on that subject on his page. Probably still there.
1. U bolts have to match your plate size.
2. If your dropping the truck, get the lower shock mounts as low, and the uppers as high as you dare. Adequate travel is possible but don't cheat yourself out of any travel with shorter than necessary shocks. I put my exhaust on first like a fool and it was a PITA to get the shocks around the tails without compromising travel. If yur truck is stock height, it isn't an issue.
All I can think of, good luck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: S.C.
When I attempted to use the method of having the tranny level, then get the rear end yoke level it vibrated when I finished, So I put the other rear end back in put the truck on jack stands measured the distance from the bottom of the yoke to the garage floor; put the new rear end in centered it and then adjusted to the correct distance from the yoke to the floor. (previously measured) and it worked perfect!
Jaye
Jaye
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Valley Center, CA
I know from experience that the allignment of the driveshaft needs to be off a few degrees from the rearend. I know it sounds strange but the shaft will vibrate if the rearend and the shaft are right on. I have a 9-inch in my 54 out of a 78 Lincoln Versailles. I bought the truck with the rearend already installed. There is a pair of aluminum (magnesium?) shims on the perches under the springs. They are 2.5" wide by 4.5" long. The slope is 2.5 degrees. I presume they were added to provide the proper degrees of misallignment for the rearend. Good luck, John .
