Rear axle ratio change?
 

How much of a hassle is it to change the rear axle gear ratio in a stock 1960 F100? Where would I get another ratio gear?

Thanks.

Haven't done it personally. My buddy did my last one. Just looking at the shop manual I think it doable but will take a bit of time first time thru. Also, it will require a press, bearing puller, micrometer and perhaps more that I can't think of at the moment.

Good reason to buy more tools if you need to!

Taking in consideration it is a 9" ford with the third member out pull out side saddles on rear and take nut off pinion pull apart check carrier bearings and pinion bearings, i would then get a ford 9'' rebuild kit several companies sell them then find ratio of gear you want and have the kit put in and get lash set right! my brother set mine i could ask him?

I'm quite sure that with a 1/2 ton it's a really simple swap to install a later complete rear axle. I had to move the spring perches on my f350, but don't think it's necessary on the f100. Even with the work I did, it was still easier and cheaper than getting into the innards and replacing the ring and pinion. I'm no expert here, I only have done one of them, mine.

As far as I remember, it is a standard 28 spline 9" Ford rear. The simplest and least expensive way to change ratio is go to the junkyard or pull-a-part and find a full size 60's or 70's car or 57-80 something F-100/150 with a ratio you desire. The center section is removeable and should bolt right into your truck. Avoid high performance models as they might have 31 spline axles and have someone check an interchange manual to make sure my memory is on target.

Lou Manglass

1957/67 F100's use the same 28 spline axle shafts.

Be careful, some 1968/72 F100 9's have a 9 3/8" ring gear and 31 spline axleshafts. Others have a 9" ring gear and 28 spline axle shafts.

Be careful, some 1973/79 F100's, 1975 F100's have 28 spline axle shafts, some have 31 spline axle shafts. There is no way to know unless you either tear it apart, or get the rear axle tag, give it to someone that has the parts catalog.

And, be aware that some 1974/79 Passenger Cars/F100/150's/Bronco's and E100/150's have a ball axle bearing and separate seal, while others have tapered roller axle bearing/seal combo.

The only way to find out is to pull an axle.

btw: How is a person to know on all the vehicles you listed, what the rear axle ratio is, especially if the rear axle tag is missing?

btw part II: Some 1967/78 full sized Fords/Mercs have the WER 8.7 integral rear axle.

Absolutely correct Bill. That's why I also suggested to check an interchange manual to cover those "subtleties" that can ruin an otherwise easy swap. Of course, the only simple way to tell the ratio is by the tag (assuming the original tag is still intact), otherwise it becomes necessary to get a look at the ring and pinion itself to be sure. I made the assumption that the poster was already aware of that. My point was, there are lots of axle ratios in lots of 9 inch "pumpkins" that will fit in the OP's truck without going to the extent & expense of a ring and pinion swap. Then he only has to mess around with making the speedometer accurate. He's certainly entitled to spend his time and money any way he likes. I have no doubt the OP will end up with a better product in the long run if he completely overhauls his original unit with NOS parts, I just think he will be time and many, many dollars ahead by swapping the center section with a good used piece of his choice. I don't know what the junkyards are like in Texas (where Larry lives) but here in Atlanta, I could go out this afternoon and come home with a few that would fit before dinner time.

By the way, thanks for all you do around here. Some may not appreciate it but as a former (Ford) "wrench," I do.

Lou Manglass

Thanks for the input guys.

I really enjoy and benefit from this forum and its contributors.

Around here 9 inch center sections are quite plentiful and every ford guy has a few extra punkins around. Even the junkyards have school busses full of them already removed and if it isn't an LS they are dirt cheap. I have a couple 28 spline limited slips under my bench for the 29 PRU hotrod, and I've given away maybe 4-5 opens in the last year that were 3.00, 3.25. 3.50s and so on.
Network, ask the parts store guys, you'll find the Ford guys with the stuff you need.
I will say that every 67-72 I ever pulled was a 28, even though some were supposed to be 31 they must be rare. That's not including a few Dana axles in certain 67s but that's a whole different unrelated deal.