Ford 9" Diff (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Mooseman
- Start date
"Dr. Dirt"
Nitro Member
William, the Ford 9" is the industry standard third member. It's virsatile, diverse and structurally sound. You can gear it from the mid 2s well into the high 5s and maybe beyond that (but I've never seen them.) It's the general design structure coupled with parts availability (especially aftermarket) that attracts racers to it's usage. Most full tube chassis cars will use a "Fab 9" that was fabricated from scratch to accept Ford 9" components. Nearly every chassis manufacturer offers them. Strange has a wide variety available. (We run the Strange 9" Top Loaders in four of our cars) Mark Williams also has a variety of them available and they, along with many others have gearsets, bearings, spools, axles, brake kits, rotors, etc. to match your specific need.
There are other choices but you get into rare parts, questionable structure and unknown quantities real quick?
There are other choices but you get into rare parts, questionable structure and unknown quantities real quick?
Would it be possible to shorten a Ford 9" and put jack chrisman floating hubs on it , reinforce the housing and put stronger bearings and bits in and use it as a full floater. Im considering getting one for my low buck funny car project that I will hopfully work on over the next year or two depending on my spare time.
One of the great things about a 9 inch is that you can change the ratios without removing the rear end housing from the car. The center section (that carries the ring and pining and gear carrier/posi/spool) can be dropped out and changed in a matter of a half hour. Circle track racers carry several assemblies with different ratios for different tracks. They are a very strong, inexpensive way to go.
There are those that would argue that the Dana 60 is a stronger rear end. It quite possibly is stronger. The dana 60 utilizes a 9 3/4 in ring gear.
Nitrohaulic
Nitro Member
I believe I read years ago that a Ford 9" housing is actually weaker than others until you put the back brace on it, then it's stronger.
To give you a little perspective, Brendan Murray has run the same 9" Ford street gear in his blown nitro front engine dragster for the last two years due to narrow tires that slip and don't shake, along with a soft clutch set up. On my wider tire nostalgia funny that more than likely will shake, I'll have to run a pro gear and mag it often.
To give you a little perspective, Brendan Murray has run the same 9" Ford street gear in his blown nitro front engine dragster for the last two years due to narrow tires that slip and don't shake, along with a soft clutch set up. On my wider tire nostalgia funny that more than likely will shake, I'll have to run a pro gear and mag it often.
I ran a Dana 60 in my Altered and it never gave me any trouble. It is very strong, but it is a bit heavier.
They are heavy and its almost impossible to change a ratio/ring and pinion at the race track (on race day) due to its integral third member design.
for a ford 9 inch I think 3.89 4.11 4.29 4.57 4.71 4.77 4.86
Your probably getting sticker shock for many of the ford modular setups out there.
Mark Williams Enterprises - Detail
You can get a braced steel housing with floaters within reason.
Mark Williams Enterprises - Detail
From there you can add your carrier and gear setup, rotors, brakes etc. or get a complete one
Mark Williams Enterprises - Detail
When you upgrade to TA/FC though I dont know how well it would stand up. Better off with the modular live axel units.
OR you can buy this even though its probably overkill and the wrong ratio for you. Its a used Chrisman ten and a half used in a fuel funny car
insidetopalcohol.com - For Sale: 10.5 Chrisman Rear
Your probably getting sticker shock for many of the ford modular setups out there.
Mark Williams Enterprises - Detail
You can get a braced steel housing with floaters within reason.
Mark Williams Enterprises - Detail
From there you can add your carrier and gear setup, rotors, brakes etc. or get a complete one
Mark Williams Enterprises - Detail
When you upgrade to TA/FC though I dont know how well it would stand up. Better off with the modular live axel units.
OR you can buy this even though its probably overkill and the wrong ratio for you. Its a used Chrisman ten and a half used in a fuel funny car
insidetopalcohol.com - For Sale: 10.5 Chrisman Rear
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Gary H
Nitro Member
No, but you could weld a 9in housing center section in and use the 8in tubes.
Why though, 9in housings are cheap.
