Well I decided to go to a 9" so I could have one or two different carriers in the future. What I'm wondering is what ratio should I go with, 3.7 or 3.5? I'm running a 700R4 with a 350 of about 400 or so horse power? I know with a 12 bolt carrier it is hard to beat the eaton posi unit but I'm lost on the 9"
Thanks,
Mike

to bad your so far away I have a nine inch in my 68 that i would glady trade for a nice 10 bolt or 12 bolt. I have the drive shaft also.

Joe

No kidding I wonder what the freight would be? What ratio? How come you want to get rid of it? I have a 4.56 in mine now but I also have the 3.73's for it.

I have shipped 12 bolt rear ends from Kentucky to California for $190, to Las Vegas for $150 and to North Carolina for $120. That should give you an idea of what it would cost.

As for which differential to use, the US Gear Traction Lock is probably the best clutch type and the Detroit Locker is the best locker. The locker is the strongest, but the TL is a lot smoother. I don't like Auburn in anything, but especially not in the 9 inch Ford.

If you're gonna go 9" on the street, I'd recomend that you listen to BGH, he really knows this stuff cold!!

I'm running about the same HP in my 68 and have the US Gear traction lock and 3.90 gears in my 9". It's awesome on the street or strip. I'm running Yokohama A032R competition rubber and find this setup to be very smooth, but drags the inside tire just enough to scare the neighbors on slow turns. In a straight line it leaves two perfectly balanced black stripes until you take your foot outta the throttle!! IMHO the 9" is noisy enough w/o the added clatter of the locker on turns and you don't need the extra grip for most applications.

I'm not sure if the 9" is really worth the added PITA for a 400 HP car. I have a 3.53 open carrier for mine as well but I have never even once considered putting it in the car for a long trip. I think that buying a TKO 5 speed is a way better use of the money if you already have two sets of gears and a 12 bolt rear. I only put mine in b/c I had a lot of leftover 9" parts and no GM rears to use!!

Paul D.

it has 3;50 or 3;70 gears in it and spool. It's to noisy for me and drags the tire when turning. It was in the car when I bought it. I have thought about just getting 3:00 gears and a posi but would rather have a posi 10 or 12 bolt and 3:08 gears. I don't race my car so the 9 inch is just not needed. The stock stuff will hold up to anything I plan on putting in it. I don't know much about it. I was told it is 28 spline axel. Not sure if that is better than the others or bottom of the bucket. I don't know if it's a reg spool or mini spool. I might take it out sometime if i get a local that wants to sawp for a posi or open gear set or chuck as they call them here.

Joe

I like my 12 bolt its just easier to swap 3 members vs changeing gears. Plus it will cost me about the same to buy a new 12 bolt with c clip neliminators anyway so the 9" seems the perfect setup for me. Am I missing something?

I agree, changing gear ratios would be a major plus. For me I just like the look of the 10 or 12 bolt and more original style of rear end. One thing I do know already and I have not drivivn this car very much is the 9 inch has a major cool factor. It one of the first things noticed when looking at the car. I don't think you missing a thing, sorry I made it sound that way. I am just more less talking about why "I" don't want mine or could live with out it. That could change if I get that dang spool out of it.

JOe

Sorry Joe, I agree nothing looks better than a 12 bolt underneath. I'm running a aluminmum rear cover with the preloads. Before I lowered my car with the Hotchkis springs and rear sway bar, you could see it. Now all you can see is the the very bottom.