Ford 9" Rear Talk

[Eyeball]

I am just about to mount the 57 Ford rear to my '33 frame but have a few questions. This rear end is 57.25 inches wide and from what I understand will fit the '33 nicely. The problem is that I need my bolt pattern to be 5 x 5.5. I was thinking about just redrilling the axles and drums to this pattern but don't know if there is enough meat on the flange to do it. (haven't measured it yet) I also need a posi unit in it and from what I have seen I will have to pay through the ass to get a 28 spline posi. So I was thinking, I see on the size charts that a 66-77 Ford Bronco 9" rear is 58" wide only .75 more than the '57 rear plus it has the 5 x 5.5 bolt pattern already.

Does this see like a good alternative to the '57 rear? Or am I better off with the narrower one.

Anyone ever used one in a 33-34 Ford?

Thanks.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

The '57-'59 rears I used in circle track cars had the pinion centered. I seem to remember the Bronco rear, although similar in width, had the pinion offset to the right to line up with the driveshaft from the transfer case. In any case, if your driveshaft is long enough that you don't exceed a 3 degree angle because of the pinion offset you should be O.K.

[lucky_1974]

This is a good idea I have seen it done, most people don't use them because of the 5 X 5.5. The only think you need to watch for is these trucks get and got abused so twisted and cracked axles are more common. Good luck...

[lucky_1974]

Not to contradict SJ http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif but the front is offset for the t-case but the rear is dead center as it hooks up to the transmission. As far as I know the pinion is centered I had a 1974 bronco for a while and if it was off center it was minimal less than a inch or two cuz I never noticed. Hope this helps...

[continentaljohn]

I love the bronco rears, it does have a center pumpkin on 1966 -77 and then 78 on it was off set and wider.. Also if you can find a compleat rear, it would have you 5x5 1/2 bolt circle.. A bonus is the standard is 3:54 gear with a V8 and 4:10 with a 6cy. A bunch also came with trac lock and lockers, best luck with the early years for posi units.
thanks continental

[**DONOTDELETE**]

lucky_1974....I said I was trying to remember. It's been 20+ years and my brain cells are fewer than they once were. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Roothawg]

Man I just did what you are talking about. It would be cheaper in the long run to order a set of new axles from Mosier or Randy's ring and pinion. Trust me.......

[lucky_1974]

SJ its okay you are allowed your one error a year and you made it all the way until almost the end of October... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif I am just glad I can help once and a while on the board. Us Minnesota guy got stick together.

[36-3window]

i'm using a `57 rear(small bearing,28 spline) in my latest project and had the same problem,i wanted to use 5 on 5-1/2" bolt circle,but the axle flanges were too small to drill the pattern. i had Moser make a set of axles to fit,cost $380 with bearings and studs installed

[Creeper Larry]

I don't know about there but here those early Bronco rears are not that easy to come by. The Jeep guys like em cause they go right in with the same bolt pattern as the Jeep. I had one and got rid of it like a Jackass. Also try 60 Ford pickup, it has 5 1/2 pattern and is somewhat narrow. Larry

[Deuce Roadster]

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif


I have a early Bronco under my 32 Roadster because of the 5 on 5 and 1/2 inch pattern. My is a 68-69 and The center section is off center. About 1 and 1/4 inches. .

http://photo.starblvd.net/~DeuceRoadster/1-2-2.jpg

As you can see in the photo........the wheels and tires fit GOOD up under the 32 and a 32 is more narrow than a 33-34.


http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[Eyeball]

Well thanks for all the info. I started my search this after noon by calling a few junk yards around here and my bro checked in Bismarck and we both came up empty handed. I guess these may be a litte harder to find than I thought. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[McGrath]

The 9" under my '65 f100 is offset too. I never measured it, but it's enough to see. The Engine is offset too, I never have figured that one out.

[metalshapes]

I think the deal with offset/ not offset is,
In a pass. car they want to keep the driveshaft tunnel straight,
and in a truck there is enough clearence under the bed that it does not matter if the driveshaft runs perfectly parralel to the centerline of the truck or not, so they save a couple of bucks by making both axles the same length.

[Hot Rod To Hell]

As far as the Posi goes, just run a spool. it's WAY cheaper, stronger, and never needs to be rebuilt. Your car will be light enough to where it wont give you any trouble, just be careful if you drive it in the rain! I've had one in my chevy II for 3 yrs, aad you cant even hear the tires chirp around corners unless you take 'em really fast. I have a locker in my 75 Nova, and I think that is LESS streetable!