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What spline count...

2K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  48hillman 
#1 ·
came in the 1976 Lincoln Continental? Was hoping for 31 spline so they could be narrowed. How difficult are calipers/parts to find for the Continental? Have a chance to buy a complete rear end from this car for $100. I have to have it narrowed. Or should I pass and find a 9" out of a Ford Truck? Which years should I look for? Were the posi's in the Ford Trucks rebuildable? Anyone in the Phoenix AZ with one they want to part with? ;)
 
#2 ·
If my old "Geezer" brain remembers correctly.. The way to tell the spline coint on a Ford 9" rear axle in the car. Look at the axle flange. In the center there is a raised portion that is machined into the axle, protrudes thru the center of the wheel. If this is solid all the way across with just a small centering drill hole, it is a 31 spline. If it is recessed across the face, it is a 27 spline.

If you are getting it narrowed the axle spline count shouldn't make that much difference as you will need axles anyway. Use your old ones as cores. 27 spline axles are fine for all but full time high horse, big tire, Drag race cars. Trucks used both 27 and 31 spline.

Ford Posi units are rebuildable.

Calipers and small parts kits are available from real auto parts stores.
 
#3 ·
[email]BOBCRMAN@aol.com[/email] said:
If my old "Geezer" brain remembers correctly.. The way to tell the spline coint on a Ford 9" rear axle in the car. Look at the axle flange. In the center there is a raised portion that is machined into the axle, protrudes thru the center of the wheel. If this is solid all the way across with just a small centering drill hole, it is a 31 spline. If it is recessed across the face, it is a 27 spline.

If you are getting it narrowed the axle spline count shouldn't make that much difference as you will need axles anyway. Use your old ones as cores. 27 spline axles are fine for all but full time high horse, big tire, Drag race cars. Trucks used both 27 and 31 spline.

Ford Posi units are rebuildable.

Calipers and small parts kits are available from real auto parts stores.
Actually the difference is that the 31 spline axles can be shortened where the 28 or less can not as they are tapered. You are right about the lathe center hole, strong possibility that it would be a 31 spline.
 
#5 ·
Did the axles have a special cut to accomodate the disc brake rotors on a Lincoln Continental rear end? I can get a complete rear end out of 1975 Lincoln Continental for $100. Then I need to scrounge a pair of core 31 spline axles to have them shortened.

I'm concerned about the bearing journal or axle faces or some such having some sort of cut on them to accomodate the disc brakes. Can anyone confirm this?

My other option is to just rebuild and use the GM 10 bolt with 8.5" ring gear. Car will be mostly a weekend driver. Currently the axle is behind the LT1 and has disc brakes and is still in the ex police car. Looking for advice/thoughts.

Marty
 
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