9" housing question

[One_fast67]

I was shopping for a 9" differential and found one from a '78 F150 in a local salvage yard. It has 3.50 gears and 31 splines. Only problem is it comes as a complete rear axle, not just the differential. Since it would be a package deal, would it be possible to modify the housing to go in my '67? The housing would need to be shortened, and I would need to have different housing ends put in to accept my rear brake caliper brackets. Changing the housing ends would mean different axles. Since the housing tubes are larger, different u bolts and shock mount plates would be required. Does this sound like something that could be done or would it make more sense to sell off housing and axles and put that money towards a housing and axle package?

 

[Fast68back]

I assume since you started looking for a center section you already have a 9" housing and axles? Are the 28 or 31 spline? To answer your questions, yes it can be done, for a cost unless you take on most of the work yourself. Unless your getting a really good deal on the rear, seems it could get rather expensive.

Seems if you already have a 9" in the car, but its 28 spline, new axles would be the cheapest route to take.

 

[One_fast67]

I assume since you started looking for a center section you already have a 9" housing and axles?

Nope. Car currently has 8", 28 spline with 2.79 gears. I already planned on going with a different gear ratio and thought upgrading to a 31 spline 9" would be the way to go. I just didn't want to shell out a ton of money. Worse case, I pick up a new housing and axles and I still have less than $1k in a complete rear end for the car.

 

[tarafied1]

Like Rick said, the cost to modify an old housing (unless you do it yourself, and you need a fixture) is probably as much or more than a Currie made to fit housing. I have a Lincoln Versailles 9" in my 67 but it's a 28 spline. It bolted in with new u-bolts and shock plates. It was a little narrower than the 8" I pulled out but I think I have seen them sell for around $350. They have disc brakes too but parts are getting hard to find for the brakes.