The Ford Barn

Bored&Stroked · 03-13-2025, 04:45 AM

I think it comes down to what do you have available and at what price? A 9" rear is definitely overkill from a strength perspective, but there are more parts available for 9" Ford rear ends than probably any other made.

However, a good 8" Ford rear is lighter, has all the ratios you could want and there were definitely some that were 5 x 5.5 bolt pattern. Either one will work - just find a good one at a fair price.

. I think a gear ratio of 3.73 or 4.11 would work out fine with your overdrive setup. I would probably choose a 3.73 if I had a choice.

tom1948 · 03-13-2025, 07:04 AM

I'm using A 1999 8.8 from a merc mountaineer in my 1948 merc coupe. It has 3.73 gears, posi. and is 1/2" narrower than the original unit. I think a pre-1999 unit w/o disc brakes would work fine with your set up. they're pretty stout rears. just my useless opinion. lol, tom

03-13-2025, 04:45 AM	#1
Bored&Stroked Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 5,723	Re: 9" rear in a jailbar truck I think it comes down to what do you have available and at what price? A 9" rear is definitely overkill from a strength perspective, but there are more parts available for 9" Ford rear ends than probably any other made. However, a good 8" Ford rear is lighter, has all the ratios you could want and there were definitely some that were 5 x 5.5 bolt pattern. Either one will work - just find a good one at a fair price. . I think a gear ratio of 3.73 or 4.11 would work out fine with your overdrive setup. I would probably choose a 3.73 if I had a choice.

03-13-2025, 07:04 AM	#2
tom1948 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: west palm beach florida Posts: 254	Re: 9" rear in a jailbar truck I'm using A 1999 8.8 from a merc mountaineer in my 1948 merc coupe. It has 3.73 gears, posi. and is 1/2" narrower than the original unit. I think a pre-1999 unit w/o disc brakes would work fine with your set up. they're pretty stout rears. just my useless opinion. lol, tom