[chewmaize]

Ok, this is what I was hit with yesterday (please keep in mind that I am a Harley Mechanic and completely retarded on trucks). The roller that I'm getting ready to purchase has an 8" rear (that's what I was told). I told the guys at the lot that I was thinking about running a 460 in her. They told me that I should change out the 8" rear end to a 9" rear end to handle the extra ponies from the engine. #1.....are they accurate in that statement and #2.....how in the hell do you swap out rearends and with what? The majority of the "budget" on this build is going towards the engine/tranny, so any $ that can be saved would be a bonus. Thanks for the help boys and squirrels.

[timothale]

I worked in the Ford Truck Factory in 65, 9 inch was the factory rear for a F 100, some one might have swapped an an 8 , They are probably mistaken, they look the same, On a 9 in you have to use a wrench to get off one of the bottom nuts , on an 8 you can use a socket on all the nuts .

[chewmaize]

Hot Damn! I'll check it out the next time I head over there to drool on on her. One less expense is always a good thing.

[SSedan64]

X2^^, Nut at about 7 O'clock position looking at Driveshaft side.
Good 8" 9" Info > Ford nine inch differential cases +
Ford Rear Axle Assembly Identification - Page 01 - FORDification.com

[big gear head]

I've never seen a F100 with a 8 inch rear end. The '65 probably has the smooth housing and it might look like a 8 inch to the guy who owns it. Be sure to d=save enough money to put a good differential in it. The factory Ford differential isn't very good. I recommend a Yukon Dura Grip. These have a thick steel cover in place of the thin cast cover that Ford used, and they have replaceable clutches. I've got one in my Camaro and I've tried to break it for over 2 years now. It's a strong unit.

[chewmaize]

I went to Yukons website. Here's my question when it comes to the differential.....how do you tell if you have a DANA 44 w/ 19 Spline or a DANA 60 w/ 60 Spline or a Ford 9 3/8". Sorry, but like I said, I know nothing about trucks/cars. Here's another question....I have to install an engine and tranny, so can I choose which one I want? If so, what's the difference between the 2?

[big gear head]

The 9 inch loads from the front. The Dana rear ends load from the back. The 9 3/8 looks like the 9 inch except for the case. There is a curved rib at the top of the 9 3/8 case and the pinion housing is larger. The main housing is the same as the 9 inch except for 2 notches that are cut for clearance of the larger ring gear. A 9 inch chunk will fit in the 9 3/8 housing. The 9 3/8 was used in the late '60s and early '70s in the full size Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars.

[RWENUTS]

And don't forget the bargaining power when you buy it!
Whine about someone putting a lowly 8" in it and get him to knock the price down 500 bucks. He'll never know unless you educate him!!

[chewmaize]

Thanks for that nugget RWE! I'm 38 and a Veteran, so I play the Army Card all the time. I'm also tryint to take advantage of the AARP angle, but I'm only 38, so that one's a little tricky to pull off.