Why no Ford 9 inch swaps?
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Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Why no Ford 9 inch swaps?
I see very very few efforts to swap out to Ford 9 inch rear differentials. Can someone share why there is very little discussion about this option? They are not a C clip diff, they are one of the strongest, all the optional ratios can be had, limited slip carriers are everywhere for these, and they produced axles in both spline counts with the 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern. So why not?
#2
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I'd imagine it comes down to the work needed for a fullsize axle to fit properly. If you have to go through all that work you might as well grab what's more readily available? Or perhaps stronger for an intended purpose.
Having never needed that much beef all of this is pure speculation on my part. The guys over at BleepinJeep on the YouTubes did a nine inch build for an XJ and it was pretty popular.
Having never needed that much beef all of this is pure speculation on my part. The guys over at BleepinJeep on the YouTubes did a nine inch build for an XJ and it was pretty popular.
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I'd imagine it comes down to the work needed for a fullsize axle to fit properly. If you have to go through all that work you might as well grab what's more readily available? Or perhaps stronger for an intended purpose.
Having never needed that much beef all of this is pure speculation on my part. The guys over at BleepinJeep on the YouTubes did a nine inch build for an XJ and it was pretty popular.
Having never needed that much beef all of this is pure speculation on my part. The guys over at BleepinJeep on the YouTubes did a nine inch build for an XJ and it was pretty popular.
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Year: 2000
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Last edited by Tbone289; 10-18-2017 at 12:47 PM.
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Year: 97
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I have a small bearing 9 on my early Bronco, which is one of the narrower ones, but has the wrong bolt circle (5x5.5). See here for the details : http://www.mustangsandmore.com/ubb/F...imensions.html
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Year: 97
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Actually I think you are right. I think over the years they did use three different width housings. Have you measured yours against the jeep? I have a 58 f150 here I was about to go measure against the Jeep. Waiting for my "other end of the tape holder" to get back. lol
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 L6
Other site states that it came in 7(!) housing widths: https://pitstopusa.com/p-4125-ford-9...formation.html
I believe the 8.25 is 60" flange-to-flange, and the 9" in the Bronco is 58".
I believe the 8.25 is 60" flange-to-flange, and the 9" in the Bronco is 58".
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Year: 97
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Other site states that it came in 7(!) housing widths: https://pitstopusa.com/p-4125-ford-9...formation.html
I believe the 8.25 is 60" flange-to-flange, and the 9" in the Bronco is 58".
I believe the 8.25 is 60" flange-to-flange, and the 9" in the Bronco is 58".
See, now I could live with 1 inch a side difference. I have a later model T bird rear axle here I will measure also. I think they are a little wider than the trucks believe it or not. Because they were a low and wide four link coil set up.
Last edited by Bugout4x4; 10-20-2017 at 07:05 AM.
#10
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Yes, there were many different widths over the years depending on year and model. It was gradually replaced with the 8.8. Also as stated above, there were two different size of axle bearings. The small bearing can fail under hard use or towing (had this happen twice). But that is no different than knowing which 8.25 Jeep axle to use. They are a good rear end and if you want to go full width go well with the Dana 44 front from a pick up or bronco.
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 L6
Me too. My father has sold Fords for 59 years. He's still in the business at 80. The XJ is the only non-Ford I've ever owned, but I love it.
IIRC, the truck/Bronco housings are thicker than the others, but it's not going to matter much under a 3.3K LB XJ.
IIRC, the truck/Bronco housings are thicker than the others, but it's not going to matter much under a 3.3K LB XJ.
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Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
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I have a full spooled Bronco II sitting out back as we speak. The engine is about done in it from hard wheeling for years. So... I have a Nissan Diesel to drop in it after I first get the Jeep back up and going hopefully soon. But even though the Bronco II will go where this jeep could never think of going, I like that the Jeep is long enough to sleep in. lol
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Year: 97
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Fantastic! Do you mind sharing what housing application and axle application you went with? And what dimension differences are there to the XJ?
Here's the deal... I have a corporate that is wore out and have access to all the 9 inch take outs I could ever need. I could spend the same on this Corporate and a lunch box or fab a 9 inch limited slip in it and spend less to gear it 3.55 to match the front. And the 9" is unbreakable as you know...
Any wisdom and experience you could spare with this swap option would be fantastic man!
Here's the deal... I have a corporate that is wore out and have access to all the 9 inch take outs I could ever need. I could spend the same on this Corporate and a lunch box or fab a 9 inch limited slip in it and spend less to gear it 3.55 to match the front. And the 9" is unbreakable as you know...
Any wisdom and experience you could spare with this swap option would be fantastic man!