I want to center my 9" Ford rear end so from the rear view it looks centered but the drive shaft will be off center a bit. Is this any problem? I know it would be hard on drive shaft universals but for a run around town hot rod is there really any problem? The deal is you will be able to see the rear end well. Any help would be appreciated. Also is there a degree that the front of the pig should be set at? I know that the trans and rear should be within 3-5 degrees of parallel to each other. Thanks Gary M.
No problem with the offset. The driveline should be equal but opposite, with 3-5 deg. being optimum. Do a search - driveline setup has been covered extensively. Mutt
This is funny, 'cause I need to un-center the 9" rear end under my '36 3-window so the pinion (driveshaft ) is centered. I think shortening the long side 4" will do what I want.
Pro builders and home builders have been centering the rearends in hotrods for years without any problems.
if a guy was real savvy he could snag the appropriate length axle from a donor so's all he needed to do would be to shorten the housing or he could grab a rear that already has a centered pumpkin ..like the early Bronco..for instance..
Another option, install it like it is. It works well and if this is a driver most rodders behind you will not even care. It is not that noticable.
The pinion in a Ford is about 1 1/8" off center. So it should take about 2 1/4" off one axle to get it back, if the housing is centered to start with. I know it's a whole other deal, but I've seen racecars with the housing centered and the engine and transmission offset an inch to the p***angers side. It offsets the drivers weight and gives you a little more room for steering, pedals and such. Off to work.
I knew the pinions were offset but didn't realize the offset centered the housing until I put a tape on one
Have used 100s of housing centered rears in ch***is and have had no problems, just pay attention to your pinion angle.
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