Calling ford 9 experts

[Rymadd]

Just had a couple questions that I can't seem to find answers for easily online. I currently have an 80s ford 9 out of a f150 in my bronco. I am wanting to build another rear end with a truss, different gears, and some other stuff while driving on this one. Looking for the same "full width".

Long story short I want to keep the 31 spline equal length axles that came in f150s I think it is 1973-1986 are all that width 65.25"? My question is about the wheel bearings. I have always seen the ball bearings on ford 9s, but the one I got out under my truck now has tapered needle bearings. They seem like a pain in the ass since you have to press a race into the axle housing, and also have that collar pressed onto the shaft.

When did they switch? Can you get a 65.25 width housing with the older style ball bearings? Which style is better? What are they called because I can't find any info on them!

I think the ball bearing style are a lot easier to change out, but if the tapered needle bearing style are better then I might stick with them. I have a feeling there is a reason why they went to that style in the 1/2 ton full size trucks!

Thanks!

 

[DirtDonk]

The 9" was getting scarce more around '83 or so, but you might still find some up to '87. Typically inconsistencies of course. I have an '83 F150 that already had an 8.8 under it.

The tapered "Set 20" bearings started in about '78 and went through '87. They were stronger and, if you kept your gear lube topped off and in good shape, could conceivably last a lot longer since they were lubed constantly by the gear lube.
That's why that pesky seal is on the outside.
And why you always make sure you don't install an inner seal thinking that it's supposed to be there.

The housing ends were the very same ones used for the standard earlier model "big bearing" axles. The new Set 20 is wider though, so needs to have the proper spacer, or "preload shim" as well as the retainer.
I'm sure it's been done, but I would not substitute a standard ball-bearing for the tapered version. There is a very minor (just a couple of thousandths if I remember) difference in axle shaft diameter at the bearing mounting point. So while I know some here have run one bearing for the other on their axles, it's not a precise fit.
Never actually heard of any trouble from it, but I'm just sayin'.

Not sure about axle shaft lengths. It would be nice if they'd kept that all the same after they started, but I don't even know if they were the same all the way back on the full-size trucks. So someone else can answer that.

Paul

 

[Broncobowsher]

I believe the 9" lasted through '87 only in the Econoline. The F150 went to 8.8 in '83. Of course in the past 30 years there has been plenty of junkyard swapping.

Trying (without luck this morning) to find my axle shaft length reference material.

 

[Rymadd]

Here is one of the charts I have, and I see 9s in mid 80s trucks and broncos all the time at the junkyards around me. Don't see the 8.8s till about 85. Not really the question I was asking though.

Now that I know they are called set 20s (thanks dirtdonk) what are the advantages to them? read something about handling loads better because they are on an angle. Can you find a 73-78 housing that uses the older style big bearing? Would I even want that?

OutsideWidth Year Model
56.50 1969-1977 Maverick 8"
57.00 1974-1978 Mustang II 8"
57.25 1957-1959 Ford, Ranchero, Station Wagon
57.25 1965-1966 Mustang
58.00 1966-1977 Bronco
58.00 1964-1965 Falcon
58.00 1977-1981 Granada/Versailles
58.50 1977-1981 Versailles
59.25 1967-1970 Mustang, Fairlane, Comet, Cougar
60.00 1967 Cougar
60.00 1958-1960 Edsel
61.00 1964-1971 Ford Full Size
61.00 1949-1951 Mercury
61.25 1957-1972 Ford F-100 Pickup
61.25 1960-1964 Ford Full Size
61.25 1971-1973 Mustang
61.25 1967-1973 Torino, Ranchero, Fairlane
63.00 1970-1979 Ranchero & Torino
63.00 1972-1979 Ford Full Size & Intermediate
63.50 1967 Fairlane (Coil Springs)
65.25 1973-1986 Ford F-150 Pickup
65.25 1978-1986 Bronco
65.25 1973-1986 Ford Van 3/4 Ton
68.00 1972 Ford Van 3/4 Ton
69.25 1977-1986 Ford E-150 Van

 

[DirtDonk]

From '48 until '75, the trucks and vans used the same small bearing and big bearing parts as the EB did. Usually the axle was the 3300lb rated version (if you find a tag) and used the same #514003P for the F1/F100/F150/E100/E150/P100 vehicles.

So it looks like it's a safe bet at least up until '75 that you'll find them easier. I see a lot of other variations after that, but no more listings for the standard big bearing.
As was said already, the Set 20 tapered bearings are a strength and reliability upgrade over the sealed type ball bearing assemblies.

During that time, you might have had both 28 or 31 spline axles, even in full-size trucks. So you'll still have to go by any other info you get, or your own inspection.
I don't know if all big bearing trucks had 31 splines or not though.

As for axle lengths, and which ones used equal length axles, I have no idea.

Paul

 

[Rymadd]

From '48 until '75, the trucks and vans used the same small bearing and big bearing parts as the EB did. Usually the axle was the 3300lb rated version (if you find a tag) and used the same #514003P for the F1/F100/F150/E100/E150/P100 vehicles.

So it looks like it's a safe bet at least up until '75 that you'll find them easier. I see a lot of other variations after that, but no more listings for the standard big bearing.
As was said already, the Set 20 tapered bearings are a strength and reliability upgrade over the sealed type ball bearing assemblies.

During that time, you might have had both 28 or 31 spline axles, even in full-size trucks. So you'll still have to go by any other info you get, or your own inspection.
I don't know if all big bearing trucks had 31 splines or not though.

As for axle lengths, and which ones used equal length axles, I have no idea.

Paul

To my knowledge all the 65.25" width ones which where big bronco, f150, and some vans have the same length axles left and right, so while on the trail you only need to bring one spare!

If the "set 20" bearings are stronger and more reliable then I guess I shouldn't want to go back to the older style. I had just heard some local guys saying if you do a lot of water crossings the seal inside the bearing on the older types keeps water out of your diff fluid better, and also when I the trail you can swap axles without worrying about the outer race still in the housing.

Any of that sound legit or should I stick with the later style. Does anybody convert their truck to the set 20 for reliability?

 

[welndmn]

Stick with the taper set 20 bearings, as you can picture, a roller ball bearing (old style) can't take a good side load, where that's why they put the taper bearing in there.

 

[DirtDonk]

You'll have to weigh all the pros-n-cons Chirper. I'd say that those you stated are probably legit concerns, while stronger can be better too.
But if you're crossing more streams and carrying less weight, or swapping axles more often, then the sealed might be your best choice. If load and longevity with a daily driver or heavy rig is concerned, the Set 20 has the advantage.

Or, you could just use whichever one you come across first, and if it's a Set 20, you can be the guinea pig for your group! ;D

Paul

 

[Rymadd]

Just in case somebody comes across this later on looking for the same answers, I have since done some more reading (now that I know the proper names). Seems that the later tapered bearing are stronger because of the load being distributed over a greater area. They also handle side loads a lot better then the older style ball bearing. A lot of drag racers like the older ball bearings because they have slightly less rolling resistance. But for longevity and load rating it seems the tapered bearings last longer every time. Thanks for the all the help! Hope somebody else finds this useful!