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Old 11-10-2021, 06:09 PM   #1
jayvee34
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Default 9 3/8 Inch Ford rear ends

Does anyone here know anything about or have any experience with the
9 3/8 inch Ford rear ends. I know they came in 68 - 72 trucks, and
66 -72 full size Ford, Mercury's, & Lincoln cars, and look like a 9 inch.
that's all. (I have one)
Thanks if any info is available.
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Old 11-10-2021, 08:53 PM   #2
Lanny
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Default Re: 9 3/8 Inch Ford rear ends

Ford used the 9" rear end for about 30 years, and aftermarket
companies have climbed on, making strong racing axles, many
optional gear sets of numerous ratios, which make the 9" Ford
one of the most sought after rear ends out there.

The 9 3/8" was only used by Ford for about 6 years, with only
a few different gear ratio's available, and hardly nothing made
by the aftermarket companies. It fizzled out...





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Old 11-11-2021, 12:03 PM   #3
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Default Re: 9 3/8 Inch Ford rear ends

I think Ford wanted a differential that was more compatible for heavy duty use behind larger FE, MEL, and 385 type engines. They were only used in some pickup applications and for the large engine passenger car applications in the year ranges noted. I believe they are all 31 spline whether car or truck. Hard parts like gears are not available when needed so a person has to go hit the salvage yards if something craps out. They have some fairly good width specs for narrower applications since they were used in cars.

I've heard folks state that the 9-inch 31-spline type third member will fit in the big case if a person wants different ratios. Ratios were limited for them and a lot of the car types are pretty tall. Not good for off the line but good for highway cruising.
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Old 11-11-2021, 09:51 PM   #4
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Default Re: 9 3/8 Inch Ford rear ends

Years ago I had a '69 F100 camper special with a factory 390 & C6. I swapped the original open 3:25, 31 spline, 9 3/8 third member for a 3:50 equalock 9", 31 spline. No issues, it was a direct bolt in
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Old 11-12-2021, 03:17 PM   #5
19Fordy
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Default Re: 9 3/8 Inch Ford rear ends

Avoid the 9 3/8 in Ford rear ends. Read here to see why they are not desirable..
https://www.google.com/search?q=9+3%...TF-8&shem=ssmd

and

https://thevintagemustang.com/keving...dnineinchdiff/
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Old 11-13-2021, 07:53 AM   #6
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Default Re: 9 3/8 Inch Ford rear ends

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Thanks to Lanny, Rotorwrench, Craig, and 19Fordy for the above info.
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Old 11-13-2021, 12:52 PM   #7
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Default Re: 9 3/8 Inch Ford rear ends

There was nothing wrong with the rear axle. It's just very hard to find parts for. Sort of like the old Lincoln cars with the Spicer/Dana 53 rear axle and the old S/D 45 that was a two year only deal in Mercury cars. All hard to find parts for.
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Old 11-15-2021, 08:53 AM   #8
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Default Re: 9 3/8 Inch Ford rear ends

This is a quote from 460Ford.com - LOL 9-3/8 were all cast from Nodular iron and are stronger than any factory 9". Only problem with them is finding parts and gears. A 9-3/8 will fit in a 9" case if you notch the case for ring gear clearance. forum.

There are some other opinions, good and bad on FordMuscle.com, and a Ford truck site.

I think the down side of this rear is that there are rare to no parts available.
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Old 11-15-2021, 02:46 PM   #9
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Post Re: 9 3/8 Inch Ford rear ends

The 9 3/8in was not intended for performance.

If you just got to have it, use 9in internals.

The 8.8in replaced the 9in ...

Just say NO to INTEGRAL CARRIERS and C-CLIP ELIMINATOR KITS ...
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