9" Ford Rear

skipjobe · #1 (**permalink**) 01-02-2006, 06:53 PM

I am planning to build a 9" ford rearend,. I have a 4:11 chunk with a mini-spool .I have a housing lined up. How dificult is it to set up the mounts for the lower links and torque arm ? I know I will have to shorten the housing. It would be easier to just order a new one but that is not in my present budget. I also plan on building an adjustable torque arm that will connect to the cross member. Any of you been through this procedure, If so I can use some advice.
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DanO · #2 (**permalink**) 01-02-2006, 07:36 PM

I'd just get a pre-fabbed one that is lined up using a jig. Makes life 1000x easier.

There are a number of places have those... Moser, Strange, DMS.. etc

skipjobe · #3 (**permalink**) 01-02-2006, 07:51 PM

I would love to do that, But in case that you can't read,I said I would love to just go and buy a new rear end but it was not in my budget, I am very pleased to hear what you would do, but that is not what I asked.

skipjobe · #4 (**permalink**) 01-02-2006, 10:17 PM

White Phoenix · #5 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 05:17 AM

what are your skills with metal fabrication and what tools do you have? i made a adjustable torque arm, DS loop, and relocated the torque arm mount... it was only easy for me because of the tools i had to do it with.

let me know what ya have and i can help ya from there. The Panhard rod, LCA mounts, and spring cups usually arnt too hard to fab up with the tools, and then look at different companies for their mount they use for the 9in for ideas...

as for making the axle the right width this is for the pro's. Making the housing the right length isnt too hard but shortening the axle shafts is a whole new deal.

BTW don't bite DanO's head off. He is a good guy and a long time member. He was simply pointing out a route which isnt possible at this time and im sure he realized this. Sometimes its just best to wait to go the right route.

Now lets be nice and show DanO a little respect for even showing and interest to help ya out. Please dont be one of those typical damn newbies that comes onto a forum thinking he owns all... :smt023

skipjobe · #6 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 11:56 AM

I may not have great metal working skills but have been learning over the last few yearsand have great determination. I have a stick welder, a good mig, a plasma cutter,power hacksaw assorted grinders. All comercial quality but I use them as hobby only. Your comments are right on target,and I appreciate your comments and obvious skills at manufacturing. I saw a 9" in a S-10 that was just shortened on the drivers side and he used the shorter axle from the passengers side. I need to see if that legnth would work for a Camaro.
Answer to BTW First I apologise for sounding a bit curt but it struck me as a sort of elitest comment, if money was no object we would all have really bad ass cars. In 2000 I was ranked in the top 15 in the US in Sporting Clays had the best equipment money could buy and spent $7- $8 k per year on shotgun shells but always had time to give tips and advise to the newbys with tiny budgets. I like the site and hope to contribute all positive and learn from the pro's like you.Thanks again Skip

White Phoenix · #7 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 02:26 PM

well if you have the time and patience to fabricate all the mounts then i say go for it. Probably be easiest to pull out your axle...throw the 9in under there and measure up how much needs to be removed. When measuring measure from the flat spot on the axle shaft to the opposite flat spot. This way you will see exactly where the wheel sits on the axle. Then you can use the existing 10bolt and measure up the mounts... ie hole sizes, metal size (always go bigger if you can), angle mounted based off pinion...

It will take time to do this though. Might even want to look around the internet for a 9" to F-body bracket kit...then work off their designes.

Also a stick welder running off 220 should be more then enough power but make sure you are a compitant welder before doing suspension work.

skipjobe · #8 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 02:54 PM

Hey, that is great advise, I did not know that there are conversion kits available, I am sure that will help simplify the task. All my equipment is 220V. My Mig will weld to 130amps max is that hot enough to do this type of welding? I can do a much neater job with the mig.

Devilofabird · #9 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 03:46 PM

hey jerry, would it be too hard for Mike to fab this stuff up for him with what he's already makin?

White Phoenix · #10 (**permalink**) 01-03-2006, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devilofabird

hey jerry, would it be too hard for Mike to fab this stuff up for him with what he's already makin?

this would be really easy for mike. Also wouldnt take him that long with his tools. he would probably just need to throw your car in the air to copy the brackets...

Although i dont know about making the mount for the torque arm... he would need a 9in axle to mock it up on... which now that i think about it... he probably has about 5 sitting around lol (maybe the red truck axle?)