Ford 9" advice
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,449
Likes: 40
From: Panama City Beach, Florida
Ford 9" advice
Hello Everybody,
I have a basket case '77 that I'm turning into a Bonneville Racer, so I'm basically gutting it.
I'm looking at a complete rear end rebuild, trailing arms, half shafts, missing clip on an axle shaft, everything very rusty.
A friend suggested replacing with something else like a 9"
Anybody done this ? I've searched,
Advice ???
Thanks, Frank
I have a basket case '77 that I'm turning into a Bonneville Racer, so I'm basically gutting it.
I'm looking at a complete rear end rebuild, trailing arms, half shafts, missing clip on an axle shaft, everything very rusty.
A friend suggested replacing with something else like a 9"
Anybody done this ? I've searched,
Advice ???
Thanks, Frank
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 476
From: NSW, Australia
C3 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
There are a couple of people who have done similar, and I believe there's a kit available for fitting a solid rear axle. As above, the c3 is not a very aerodynamic choice for Bonneville. Also, a Ford 9" consumes quite a few hp, you'd probably be better off with a different rear end (Borg Warner perhaps?) that would sap less power, particularly given strength is going to be much less of an issue in a Bonneville car, as there's nowhere near the shock loading it would see on a drag strip or even race circuit.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
Likes: 299
From: New York
In light of replacing every part of the IRS and the fact your going in a straight line TOSS that junk ..
A 9" to someone with power is the holy grail and to those who dont have power misunderstood .
Auto Fab makes the 4 link kit , You can buy a used axle and carrier and fab it up. And it will be affordable .
A 9" to someone with power is the holy grail and to those who dont have power misunderstood .
Auto Fab makes the 4 link kit , You can buy a used axle and carrier and fab it up. And it will be affordable .
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,414
Likes: 1,232
From: Sarver Pa
2021 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
A Ford 9" would be my 1st choice for such a project. They are easy to set up and there are a ton of diff gear ratios available. What class are you thinking? Good luck, sounds like a great project.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,449
Likes: 40
From: Panama City Beach, Florida
Ha - the one in my avatar went 137 - they won't give you a timing slip if you go 140 or beyond with out the required safety equipment.
I agree it's no speedster it was capable of more, but you need a roll cage for the 150 club. I bought that car new in 77 and did not want to cut it up for the modifications needed. So I rescued the current one and will give it a go.
When I get it there you can come for a ride -
Frank
I agree it's no speedster it was capable of more, but you need a roll cage for the 150 club. I bought that car new in 77 and did not want to cut it up for the modifications needed. So I rescued the current one and will give it a go.
When I get it there you can come for a ride -
Frank
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,449
Likes: 40
From: Panama City Beach, Florida
The one in my avatar is in the 130 club (137 average - 2 runs ) 150 needs a roll cage, I didn't what to cut up that one as I bought it new. It has an LS1 with T56.
The one I'm working on will have a de-stroked 454 ( I always wanted a 427 ) and didn't want to fake it. I'm still deciding on the trans.
Thanks, Frank
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,502
Likes: 138
From: Butler Pa
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,654
Likes: 190
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
In light of replacing every part of the IRS and the fact your going in a straight line TOSS that junk ..
A 9" to someone with power is the holy grail and to those who dont have power misunderstood .
Auto Fab makes the 4 link kit , You can buy a used axle and carrier and fab it up. And it will be affordable .
A 9" to someone with power is the holy grail and to those who dont have power misunderstood .
Auto Fab makes the 4 link kit , You can buy a used axle and carrier and fab it up. And it will be affordable .
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,531
Likes: 13
From: Dallas-Fort Worth TX
On the topic of Ford 9' rears,
Can you extend a Ford 9" rear end?
Meaning go from a full tub set up to more of mini tub. I don't care for the pro street set up and would rather have the axles extended to accomodate some 335/345 size tires.
This is currently in a c3 Vette.
Thanks,
Can you extend a Ford 9" rear end?
Meaning go from a full tub set up to more of mini tub. I don't care for the pro street set up and would rather have the axles extended to accomodate some 335/345 size tires.
This is currently in a c3 Vette.
Thanks,
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 484
Likes: 43
From: NJ
On the topic of Ford 9' rears,
Can you extend a Ford 9" rear end?
Meaning go from a full tub set up to more of mini tub. I don't care for the pro street set up and would rather have the axles extended to accomodate some 335/345 size tires.
This is currently in a c3 Vette.
Thanks,
Can you extend a Ford 9" rear end?
Meaning go from a full tub set up to more of mini tub. I don't care for the pro street set up and would rather have the axles extended to accomodate some 335/345 size tires.
This is currently in a c3 Vette.
Thanks,
Or you could have Bubba weld extensions on to the ones you have.
I don't recommend this. 
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,531
Likes: 13
From: Dallas-Fort Worth TX
I will have to go read yer bio if you got info about yer Vette.
No, I never got along with Bubba and will not go that route.
So the diffy will pull from the tubes/axl housings and you can just get them to right size? I will obvioulsy need longer axles though.
Currently sitting on Centerline ConVo pro and Sportsman MT's.
