Ford 9 inch question

[steveo1011]

Hi,

I have a 2006 Shell Valley Kit with a stock 351w and a Borg Warner 5 speed. The rearend is a 9" and needs to be rebuilt (it has gone TU). I am only keeping the casing and I have never rebuilt a rearend. She is a cruiser and only occasionally do I get on it. Does anyone have any suggestions on gear ratios, where to get a good deal on a 3rd member, or some tips on how to proceed? Much thanks.

Steve

[trularin]

You might want to ebay for a four pinion posi unit with a 3.5 gear.

Make sure you match your splines to the one you buy.

Hope this helps.

[rustyBob]

you could call currie ent. they know everything about Ford 9 inchers and for your set up 3.50 would perfect

[jimf]

I would second the suggestion on the 3.50 and to contact Currie Ent. and add..... for someone not familiar with rebuilding a rear axle......consider one of their complete units and save yourself a lot of work and grief. Setting up the gears correctly can be a trying experience for someone not familiar with doing it.

[trularin]

The nine is easy. It's the damn posi unit, those are some work.

[ratsnst1]

Just make sure when you put the gear oil in you, you put a good posi additive, for the clutches.

[puppster]

I would consider a 3.00 gear if you are doing a lot of cuising. 3.50 is a little low for my heavier Mustang with 289 and a T5 5 speed. Second gear comes up too quick while cruising. With more torque and a lighter car, I think you would be happier, and really feel the acceleration between gears instead of shifting every 1-2 seconds.

I had bought a 4.56 traction loc unit at a swap meet with the intention of changing the gears, but I wanted to try it out before investing the money in it. I put Royal Purple synthetic gear oil in it, and after a couple hundred miles it looked like a chocolate milkeshake. I was told not to use synthetic oil, especially with a new gear set. I do not use any friction modifier in this set up, and have no chattering, but I have experienced the problem in an 8.8 rear end.

Tha hard part for me, buying at a swap meet was identifing the posi units. I would research on the web to find pictures so you know what you are looking at before you go. I saw 2 that day, one with a 3.50 gear (sold out from under me) and the 4.56 that I bought. both were in great shape, and sold for $300. another $300 to have new a new gear set put in, and I saved $300 over the best price I found on e-bay, and a reputable shop set it up for me.

[Charlesm]

Hi there,
I would recommend Doug Hodge in NC. He does all kinds of 9" rear-ends. His specialty is NASCAR, new and used parts. His company is Competition Transmission and Gear. I only have his cell and would rather you find his shop number on line..
He is in the Charlotte area..
Charles