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Technical How to Identify a posi in a 9”

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Cody49Ford, Jul 11, 2025.

  1. Cody49Ford
    Joined: Aug 1, 2014
    Posts: 155

    Cody49Ford
    Member

    Hey all I’m looking to sell this 9” center section and the question is if it is posi or open. Is there anyway to tell from these photos? Thanks in advance all
     

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  2. Flatrod17
    Joined: Apr 25, 2017
    Posts: 673

    Flatrod17
    Member

    Stick your finger in the ring gear side and feel for a gap in the splines. If there is a break in the splines it a posi. The break in the splines you are feeling, the inner, the spider gear, the outer is the clutch pack hub. If no break in the splines it's a open rear.
    Just looking at it, I will guess its not a posi.
     
  3. Kerrynzl
    Joined: Jun 20, 2010
    Posts: 3,533

    Kerrynzl
    Member

    That is an open diff !!
    Posi's have recessed crown wheel bolts
    upload_2025-7-12_21-22-54.png

    Open have crown wheel bolts that are flush on the surface
    upload_2025-7-12_21-29-34.png
     
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2025 at 4:29 AM
  4. mohr hp
    Joined: Nov 18, 2009
    Posts: 1,411

    mohr hp
    Member
    from Georgia

    FWIW, "Crown wheel" is Kiwi speak for "ring gear".
     
  5. Johnny Gee
    Joined: Dec 3, 2009
    Posts: 14,011

    Johnny Gee
    Member
    from Downey, Ca

    ^^^^^ May as well be called a… IMG_4316.jpeg as well. ;)
     
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  6. Johnny Gee
    Joined: Dec 3, 2009
    Posts: 14,011

    Johnny Gee
    Member
    from Downey, Ca

    1640’s name (crown wheel) given in watch making. IMG_4317.jpeg
     
  7. Rickybop
    Joined: May 23, 2008
    Posts: 10,451

    Rickybop
    Member

    I seem to remember (very dicey concept) that when I ever turned the input shaft on an open differential, the wheels would turn opposite directions. And if it was limited slip they would both turn the same direction.
    Yes? No?
     
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  8. Budget36
    Joined: Nov 29, 2014
    Posts: 15,008

    Budget36
    Member

    You’ll also want to know the gear ratio and the spline count for the axles, should be either 28 or 31.
     
  9. THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER
    Joined: Jun 6, 2007
    Posts: 5,961

    THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER
    Member
    from FRENCHTOWN

    TECH TIP:
    A couple of splined stub ends from 28- and a 31-spline axles with a socket welded to the ends makes it easy for me to insert them into a pig and determine if if is 28-spline or 31-spline and whether it is posi, depending on if one shaft will easily rotate when the other is held still.

    I also use them in a vice to determine the slippage torque (as specified in the shop manual) needed to be exerted on the clutches when rebuilding the posi units.
     
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  10. saltflats
    Joined: Aug 14, 2007
    Posts: 13,210

    saltflats
    Member
    from Missouri

    90 % of the 9 inch posi's I have taken out looked like that picture on the top. I think the ones in the Lincoln had a little more material in that area.
     
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  11. mohr hp
    Joined: Nov 18, 2009
    Posts: 1,411

    mohr hp
    Member
    from Georgia

    Everybody loves the 9" Ford, but most of them stock had really weak parts in them. And not a lot opted for Trac Loc.
     
  12. Cody49Ford
    Joined: Aug 1, 2014
    Posts: 155

    Cody49Ford
    Member

  13. Cody49Ford
    Joined: Aug 1, 2014
    Posts: 155

    Cody49Ford
    Member

    It’s a 31 spline thank you
     
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  14. Budget36
    Joined: Nov 29, 2014
    Posts: 15,008

    Budget36
    Member

    I’d actually meant when you list it for sale. The gear ratio could also be attractive to someone.
     
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  15. 05snopro440
    Joined: Mar 15, 2011
    Posts: 2,789

    05snopro440
    Member

    Yep, when you list a center section describe what it is (gear ratio, posi/open, and spline count).

    That's one of my pet peeves, especially when it comes to people selling wheels and not listing the width and backspacing or offset, and sometimes even the diameter.
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2025 at 7:21 AM
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  16. X-cpe
    Joined: Mar 9, 2018
    Posts: 2,213

    X-cpe

    Also bolt circle and stud count.
     
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  17. 05snopro440
    Joined: Mar 15, 2011
    Posts: 2,789

    05snopro440
    Member

    You're right, I forgot to mention that.
     
  18. Cody49Ford
    Joined: Aug 1, 2014
    Posts: 155

    Cody49Ford
    Member

    Oh yes, for sure it’s listed with ratio and spline count . Those I could figure out haha, the posi part had me a little lost at first
     
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  19. Cody49Ford
    Joined: Aug 1, 2014
    Posts: 155

    Cody49Ford
    Member

    Yep I agree, had that part figured out.. the posi/open had me confused
     
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  20. 05snopro440
    Joined: Mar 15, 2011
    Posts: 2,789

    05snopro440
    Member

    Not an easy one to identify, spoken for GM guys like myself.
     
  21. True. My grandfather was a watchmaker. Went to the Bradley Horology Institute to learn the trade.
     
  22. Boneyard51
    Joined: Dec 10, 2017
    Posts: 6,745

    Boneyard51
    Member

    That’s not a trac loc!



    Bones
     

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