Rear End Differential Replacement

[mkkillen]

I purchased a 1969 Bronco that does not have the rear end differential. Does anyone know if there is a ford rear end from other vehicles that is the same fit? I need to find a rear end so I can put wheels under it to move it around. Thanks!!

 

[sykanr0ng]

The Bronco rear is a unique width that is narrower than most others.

Do you need the whole housing or just the center section?

 

[DirtDonk]

What sykanr0ng said. If you just need the chunk/hogshead/3rd member/center section/thingy then any Ford 9" is a compatible devices and will bolt right in to your housing.
You have to know whether you will use axle shafts with 28 splines (stock), 31 splines (upgrade), or even 35 splines (aftermarket and won't fit into the stock center section) and would hopefully also get the correct gear ratio to either match the front or one you're ready to change.

Other than that, as said the actual housing is unique to the EB with both the overall width, and spring perch location being specific.
Housings are easy to find and cut down from a larger one of course. And you can cut off and weld on new perches easily enough too.
But if you want to bolt-n-go you need to get a Bronco housing.

Sorry if you knew most of that already, but figured I'd throw it in just in case.

There are other considerations as well, such as small vs large bearing, bolt pattern and axle flange offset (for brake compatibility) and things that will make it harder.
Might as well get one from an EB right off the bat then.
The classifieds here might net you one from nearby. Or a Craigslist ad might hold what you need.

Here's what we sell for comparison new to used: https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/category/Bronco_Rear_Housing
That first part for $460 is a heavy duty and ready to bolt in EB housing. Used ones should be plentiful and if you get the correct one not need any mods.

Do you have axle shafts or any other part of the rear end?

Paul

 

[Crawdad]

I put a 4.10 hoghead from a 72 bronco and placed it into my 76-77 bronco rear housing yesterday and all seems to fit up nicely. I’m crossing my fat fingers! I need to get some crush washers (old copper pennies) and then final torque.

 

[mkkillen]

Thanks for the info guys! New to Bronco's and didn't realize how specific they are. I found one on craigslist but like you guys said it's much wider. The perches are at 45" plus or minus and the bronco measured at about 38 1/2" so big difference! Does anyone know the exact measurements I should be looking for? Paul I do not have anything under the rear at all. It's sitting on the ground on the springs so I need the whole thing! Just looking for one to put under it with wheels and tires so I can move it around. Haven't found anything close to me on here yet.

 

[sykanr0ng]

As far as just moving it around you might have an easier time bolting a utility trailer axle under it than finding an axle from another truck or car that would fit.
If you don't mind pushing or towing it that might get you by until you find a Bronco axle.

 

[Crawdad]

You are gonna spend around $250 for a used but complete banjo style rear axle. For that amount it’s a small bearing and you might be able to save a brake part or two when you dig into it. If I had the money I’d go with the WH extreme housing like Paul posted above. It looks exactly like my fish-mouth 76-77 rear axle that I pd $500 used. I have to replace everything from brake guts to axle shaft bearings. For the amount I have in this used rear end I could have spent on a new housing and 28 or 31 spline axle shafts with pre-pressed on large bearings. Hogheads are easy to come by imo.

 

[mkkillen]

 

[mkkillen]

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[mkkillen]

This is what I am working with so a long way from driving it. Just need something to move it around with and can fix it later.

 

[DirtDonk]

Looks like it might have been a Boxwood Green Bronco under all that "patina" from almost 50 years. Cool.
And a bulkhead behind the seats as well. Was it a wagon (has the holes for the hard top) or was it a pickup? VIN for a pickup would start with U14 instead of the more common U15 of the wagons. Not sure if they even had Roadster U13's at that point. Don't remember when they dropped that option.

Have fun with it. And if you have a chance, pop over to ToddZ's thread hunting down the changeover between vacuum and electric wipers and that kind of thing.
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=280253

Thanks. And have fun in the search too.

Paul

 

[mkkillen]

Thanks Paul. It is a U15 but with a bulkhead behind front seats. I think I found a rear end close. Going to check it out today.

 

[DirtDonk]

Excellent news! Good luck.
By the way, looks like you just ran into the infamous PhotoBucket Ransom debacle.
Your image was there yesterday, but is not now. Surprised they even let you get away with it in the beginning.

You been using PB for long? They want everyone that links images on their site to a third party site (such as ours) to pay up big time.

The good news for us anyway, is that it makes the 12 Bucks a year to be a contributor look like chump change!
Well, it actually is, but that's beside the point.;D

Good luck.

Paul

 

[73azbronco]

beware, axle length is also dependant on rear brake drum size.

 

[DirtDonk]

Good call! Since he's sourcing all of it, that can make a big difference in the size and frequency of the inevitable headaches.

Here's a bit more reading on the subject: https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/category/bronco_rear_axle
Not everything you need to know since brakes are not covered there, but just figure that each axle shaft, and each bearing retainer bolt pattern you see there could need it's own different brake backing plate and drum.

So if you end up buying parts, this is important. If you find one all complete drum-to-drum though, you should be good to go as long as you actually know what it is.

Paul

 

[bknbronco]

i got a big bearing big brake rear 9"....all painted up and ready for a fresh rebuild if your interested. PM me