It really depends on what you find in your price range

 

Well I live close to moab. I hit mostly rocks and trails as such. I just figured a f9" would be pretty smooth way to go. Other than the low pinion, it looks fairly good to me

 

One big plus with 9" is quick & easy gear swaps if you have extra carriers setup.

 

That brings up another point, stock 3rd don't like big tires or big power. I split two in half in my early Bronco and I was running a stock 302 and 35s.

 

one thing that came to mind at work...

big bearing 9" or small bearing 9" ....?

 

Big bearing def, much more aftermarket support and stronger.

 

not me. I meant the OP what his local "built" one was.... my bad for not clarifying

 

The few I have seen for sale hadnt clarified what size bearing they were. Ill have to look into it more, I hadn't even considered that option.

 

and you want a 9 from a truck, not a car.
the crown vic had a 9 as an option. think the police package had the big bearing. you don't want that one.

i'd stick with the 78-79 bronco 9".

 

The axle I built came out of a 73 ford f100 I went with dutchman shafts, bearing retainers and bearings. Definately not cheap, but pretty bullet proof. Also did A 31 spline Detriot. I used TNT customs U-bolt Eliminators. RuffStuff pinion guard, and Ground Pounder Fab Offset disc brake brackets.

The disc brake setup was easy to do. Brackets were 30 bucks... used Chevy IFS front rotors and 87 4x4 calipers.

I still have to build a truss, but that will come.

 

The earlier housings were weaker and may need to be trussed for heavy use. look for a late '70's- early '80's truck housing.
the early housing (see above '73 F100 photo)
had a shape like this ---O---
the later housings are reinforced somewhat and have
a shape like this --<O>--

 

What year crown vic had a nine inch?

 

This is a lotof info, and thanks for the help guys. My question is if I'm gonna have to go pull one, what vehicle had the 28 spline? So I know what to stay away from

 

Mostly the cars did... rare to find a truck with a 28 spline

 

Ah thank you. In the local classifieds there are a few that are already locked or full spool, and geared low enough to be worth buying and leaving as is.