Ford 9" for off-road use

[IZwack]

Just tube it with some 3/16" tubing. After smashing my stock shaft in my 86 ranger I had it re tubed with 3/16 wall tubing. I hit it many times and nver had a problem.

Oh good point

 

[bmxking5]

I like my Ford 9 so far. I know I won't ever go over 37s...if I need bigger, I build some other rig. I'm going with a Moser 35 spline setup, nodular 3rd, axle truss, etc so mine will be more than enough for what I'll need. Haven't tested it out much, huh, at all.

A 14 bolt or d60 would be a nice setup if you were wanting to go real big. A FF axle would be nice.

 

[IZwack]

UPDATE: I decided to go with a 14-bolt. As stated, the higher ratios are hard to find but I found a 14-bolt with 5.13's and a Detroit. I may have to cut it down though - 67" WMS is a little on the wiiide side.

 

[Kirby N.]

Are you breaking your 8.8? I went and picked up a 9" for mine, but after some study I figured out that it is not much stronger than my 8.8 (If any). I decided it was easier just to keep my 8.8, besides, I haven't broke it yet, and I have wheeled it really hard. The 8.8 is very strong. Mine is doing fine with my 37s. I suppose if I start breaking it I will start looking for a new rearend, but not right now.

Just my $.02

 

[IZwack]

Are you breaking your 8.8? I went and picked up a 9" for mine, but after some study I figured out that it is not much stronger than my 8.8 (If any). I decided it was easier just to keep my 8.8, besides, I haven't broke it yet, and I have wheeled it really hard. The 8.8 is very strong. Mine is doing fine with my 37s. I suppose if I start breaking it I will start looking for a new rearend, but not right now.

Just my $.02

No I havent broken my 8.8 yet, but at the cost of regearing the 8.8 to 5.13s, getting a locker, changing the bolt pattern to match the front, and the shipping costs involved with those parts, it costs me about the same to get a 14 bolt locally with 5.13s, a Detroit, and disc brakes. The only thing that costs a little bit more is changing the front to the 14-bolt's lug pattern - but I think its worth it.

 

[RockRanger]

UPDATE: I decided to go with a 14-bolt. As stated, the higher ratios are hard to find but I found a 14-bolt with 5.13's and a Detroit. I may have to cut it down though - 67" WMS is a little on the wiiide side.

I belive you just need the spindles and hubs of a C&C (cab and chassis) truck and it will narrow your 14 bolt down to 63" If I remember right you have to swap to disk brakes or get all the drumbrake stuff as well. I remember also hearing that 8 lug outers on a waggy axle makes it 63.5" wide as well. Its been awhile sense I researched this so I might be off a bit but something to consider.

 

[bmxking5]

Awesome...with a 14b I'd go bigger than 38s. I'd go with 40s. How much will the axle run you with all of that stuff?

EDIT: Nvm that...forgot you were using a 44 front (Unless you wanted drag racing style with the bigger tires in the back )

 

[IZwack]

EDIT: Nvm that...forgot you were using a 44 front (Unless you wanted drag racing style with the bigger tires in the back )

Hehe yeah, the D44 will keep me @ 37" and under as far as tires go.

How much will the axle run you with all of that stuff?

Just a hair over 1k - thats before cutting them down. I will run them at full width (67" wms) for a little while tho - see how things go.

EIDT: After more research, it appears that the only difference between the 63" and 67" WMS 14-bolt axles are the outters (axle shafts are the same) - so "cutting down" to 63" WMS would be pointless when all that needs to be done is swap out a few outers (as suggested by RockRanger). More info about the 14 bolt can be found on Pirate4x4's 14-bolt bible