Right or wrong,dont the 57 rancheros and wagons have the bigger axle bearings and 31 spline axles compared to the car with 28 spline axles.
Yes and no . They have the big bearings but are only 28 splined
I agree, big bearing, 28 spline
1957, 1958, 1959 & 1960 Fords do not have 9 inch rearends. They have 8 3/4 rears, however the 9 inch will bolt into the 57 thru 61 housing. The 9 inch came out in 1959 Ford Trucks, and was first used in passenger cars starting with the 1961 390 HiPo Galaxie , then became standard issue starting with the 1962 Fullize Ford cars. See page 64 of the 1949/1959 Ford Car Master Parts & Accessories Catalog, FD-9462, 1964 issue.
Quote from: Lou on 2008-03-24 01:29
1957, 1958, 1959 & 1960 Fords do not have 9 inch rearends. They have 8 3/4 rears, however the 9 inch will bolt into the 57 thru 61 housing. The 9 inch came out in 1959 Ford Trucks, and was first used in passenger cars starting with the 1961 390 HiPo Galaxie , then became standard issue starting with the 1962 Fullize Ford cars. See page 64 of the 1949/1959 Ford Car Master Parts & Accessories Catalog, FD-9462, 1964 issue.
Your information is mistaken Lou. All `57-78 Ford full size cars had 9 inches. Ford did not make any 8 3/4 rears. 1957 was the first year for the 9 inch...unless someone has swapped a 9 into all 12 57 Fords I have owned..;)
I also have had several....all 9". The one I still own was bought new by my
Grandfather, six cyl auto & 9".
Ron :burnout:
The 9 inch ring and pinion was a replacment for 57/61 8/3/4 , if you have an original 57 and you messure the ring gear you will find it is 8 3/4. As I stated see page 64 of the 49/59 Ford Master parts book. You will also see listed in the foot notes the kit for puting a 9 inch ring and pinion in a 57/59 ford center section. I was a Ford partsman in the 1960s we ran accross this all the time with people thinking they had a 9 inch in thier 57/59 Ford, they would order a 9 inch ring and pinion and then call us saying it looked too big and we have to explane that they needed the kit . After 1962 Ford did not supply 8 3/4 ring & pinions, so if you 57 needed a replacement you got a 9 inch. There is away to tell the difference between a 8 3/4 and a 9 center section by if you can use a socket or if you have to use a wrench on the 2 lower nuts on the housing. I think the wrench has to be used on the 8 3/4.
i've heard this story also,but for all intent purposes they are a 9inch. also the later model mid size car had a 8 3/4 and the easy way to tell the difference was the axel housing had 2 dimples on the rear of the center section housing. go figure. all i know for sure is my third member out of the ranch wagon has 4:11's and measures a flat 9" on the ring. car was originally a 6 cyl. 3 spead OD car and data plate says 4:11. another go figure. we're splitting hairs here boys.
My 3.70s and 3.10s are 9 inches on the ring...No matter, though, as the `57-59 cases are kinda weak. . . I am replacing mine with N case and Detroit Locker diff....
makes good sence to me :003:
I think only 57 had the big bearing--whether a wagon/ranchero or not??--I do know a rear axle I personally pulled fron a 59 wagon had the small bearing as it was smaller than my 57 wagon --a 2 dr ranch the 57 not a 9 passenger. Had some one tell me 9 passengers in 57-59 had big bearing but I am leaning to only 57 had big bearing and the 58 and 59 got the small--any thoughts???
Check twice on your project. Alot of good guys on here, but most of you assume things you heard thur the grapevine!!!!!!!!! Nothing like experienced know how.
was really hoping to hear back on thoughts of only 57 having big bearing whether wagon/ranchero/car/convertible--whatis the general consenses???--I have a 9 inch rear in my early mustang--it has a 3.50 pumpkin from 1967--I did not need any "kit" to bolt it in but I guess i have never physically measured the ring gear from a 1957 to see if it was 8 3/4 vs 9
It's my understanding the Ranchero and Station wagon were big bearing. I don't know anything bout
the 8 3/4 thing. My car had a 9 in. when new with a 6 cyl auto. That's my story and I'm stick,n to it :003:
Ron
Check with Currie Enterprises, they are the 9" guru! The 57s were not true 9" when you think of 9"ers. They were infact smaller but the whole thing will swap out with late model 9" stuff. The 57 - 59 housings are not very strong, they work well in street applications to 300 - 400 HP but that is only if they are in top condition.
When introduced in 1957, the ring gear size was 8 3/4". Beginning in 1960, they began to go to 9" RG for tooth count/strength in some ratios. Both the RG's will fit the early or later carrier(s).
The 57 Wagon had the larger wheel bearings. You would have to go to cataloging (MPC) after that (58/ ) to determine size.