ford 9"

[glenmichael]

Hello Everyone, I have a question from my brother-in-law Woody, who spent many hours with my 57, He has a 1955 ford truck with a 1966 ford truck 9". Can he replace the axles that are 5.5" wheel centers with car axles to get 4.5" wheel centers to match the front which is now from a 2004 crown vic? I hope it's ok to ask this..

[gasman826]

yes or just re-drill the ones you have

[Hoosier Hurricane]

Obviously he would have to find axles with the same length, spline count, and bearing size.  Probably easier to re-drill as mentioned above.  Mosier Engineering offers this service, as I'm sure many other shops do also.   John

[Ford Blue blood]

and don't forget the drums......Might be easier to get the Crown Vic rear and use it?

[rmk57]

Don't those axels have the hole in the flange to access the backing plate?

[gasman826]

OEM...yes.  Aftermarket may or may not.  If ordering, you should confirm size and placement.

[glenmichael]

Hello Everyone, We like the idea of pulling the axles, have them plugged and re-drilled then new drums. gasman826 do you know  someone near Adrain that can do this-vs- shipping to Mosier? Thanks for the help, the rear end fits the truck and has a nice gear so this would be a nice fix..

[Hoosier Hurricane]

You wouldn't have to have the original holes plugged, just rotate the bolt pattern and re-drill.  If it has the access hole mentioned, one of the "new" holes will have to be between that hole and a bolt hole, otherwise just drill the new holes halfway between the old ones.  The brake drums could also be re-drilled to the 4 1/2" pattern.  On my Ranchero I have Lincoln front disc brakes, two different bolt patterns front and rear, and carry a spare tire with two bolt patterns in its wheel.   John

[gasman826]

There is a machine shop just before the north end of Porter Hwy.  Can't get much closer.

[rmk57]

Thats the reason I was asking if they have the hole in them. It's going to be pretty thin either by the access hole or where the old stud hole is.
I'd weld up the big hole if your going to be using this for performance use.