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Author
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Topic: Shortening a 9" axle
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Barry70Stang
Gearhead Posts: 306
From: West Monroe, La USA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 10-24-2006 09:07 AM
 
I have got a 9" axle housing from a truck that I am going to have shortened for my 70. Does anyone know how much I have to shorten each side? I did some measuring in my 8" and it looks like there is a 2.5" difference, with the passenger side being the longest. As best I can measure, it looks like the overall flange to flange measurement is 53.5. Any advice to keep me from making a mistake would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Barry
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 10-24-2006 07:54 PM
Why not just make it as wide as your 8" housing? You know that works.------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 - '70 Mustang Convertible - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150 XL
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Barry70Stang
Gearhead Posts: 306
From: West Monroe, La USA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 10-24-2006 09:10 PM
Well, is it just that simple Steve? I spoke with a gentleman at Strange today and he had several questions about the brakes that I wasn't sure about. I had planned on going back with the truck brakes since I have the backing plates that go with that axle housing, but is there any reason that I couldn't just make a flange like my 8" axle has and weld it to the axle and use my existing brakes? Or can you buy those flanges? He seemed to be concerned about getting the axle lengths correct. If I could use my brakes it would save me a chunk of change. If I make the axle the same 54 1/8" as my 8", I should be able to just order stock length axles, Correct? Is there any difference between the 8" and 9" stock axles? Sorry for sounding so ignorant, but there are a lot of variables here and I don't want to screw up. Do you happen to know the lengths of the two axles? If I knew that for sure, that would tell me how much longer to make one axle tube than the other, correct? Thanks Steve, sorry you get the questions that no one else wants to answer. LOL Barry
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 10-25-2006 10:28 AM
I don't know the axle lengths, sorry.Let me ask a question. Instead of going to all the expense and trouble of narrowing a rear housing, then welding on the perches you need and making sure the pinion angle is correct, why not just get the right axle in the first place? Unless I was building a tubbed pro streeter or drag car that's surely the route I'd take. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 - '70 Mustang Convertible - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150 XL
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Barry70Stang
Gearhead Posts: 306
From: West Monroe, La USA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 10-25-2006 10:57 AM
Trying to save a few bucks! I am leaning toward ordering a housing that is ready to go. Thanks,
Barry
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 10-25-2006 12:12 PM
That's not the way to save, machine work is expensive.------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 - '70 Mustang Convertible - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150 XL
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Barry70Stang
Gearhead Posts: 306
From: West Monroe, La USA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 10-25-2006 05:58 PM
I've got a friend with a machine shop, he said he would cut it to the correct length and weld on the spring perches for $125. I have the pumpkin, know where I can get a Ford factory limited slip for $100. Would have to buy the axles, gear set, installation kit, and brakes. I would come out much cheaper this way (I think) but I'm a little hesitant about building it. Won't cost me anything to set it up.
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68 Coop
Gearhead Posts: 5847
From: Mesquite, NV. 89027
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 10-25-2006 10:58 PM
Couldn't you pick up some stock axles first, then you'll know exactly how long the tube will have to be for it to work??? Makes more sense than cutting it first, have a big OOOOPS, and have to start over.------------------
William
M&M# 4256
MCA# 64831 68 Coupe
289
C4
3:55's/Trac-Lok
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Barry70Stang
Gearhead Posts: 306
From: West Monroe, La USA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 10-26-2006 06:44 AM
I wonder if there is a difference in the stock 8" and stock 9" axles? I figure there is a little difference because the 9" is just physically larger. I got under the car last night and did some measuring. There is a 2.5" difference in the length of the axle tubes. I measured from the back of the flange to where the tubes are welded into the housing. I've got a friend with a 9", I'll go measure his before I do any cutting. William, the only thing I can think of that would make the stock length axles not work is if the truck brakes are substantially wider, and I am going to research that. Thanks,
Barry
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68 Coop
Gearhead Posts: 5847
From: Mesquite, NV. 89027
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 10-26-2006 08:21 AM
This is a good read Barry, and it should be useful if you need it again.http://kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htm ------------------
William
M&M# 4256
MCA# 64831 68 Coupe
289
C4
3:55's/Trac-Lok
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Barry70Stang
Gearhead Posts: 306
From: West Monroe, La USA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 10-27-2006 05:08 PM
Well, the decision has been made. I ditched the idea of shortening the truck axle in favor of building up the 8" that is in the car. I ordered a Richmond "Loc Right" positive traction, a set of 3.80 gears, an installation kit with all new bearings and seals. I hope I don't regret it. I'll keep looking for a used housing and eventually build the 9" 3rd member that I have. Barry
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