Just wondered if they had a 5x5.5" pattern on the early (1966-1969) Bronco. Seems like a rearend outta one would be narrow enough to fit well in a Model A. Seems like it aught to be a variation of the 9-inch, too, so parts would be easy to come by. Any other suggestions for a 5x5.5" rear with around a 58" width would be most welcome, too.
You can head on over to www.cl***icbroncos.com They can give you the stats on the widths and bolt patters. I used to have a 1968 Bronco... but I don't remember the lug pattern.
Thanks. I'm no Bronco expert, I figured they went to the same tin as the pickups in '73 when they went to that style -
The early Bronco rear ends are also very narrow & quite suitable for early Fords. They are indeed 9" & come with a 5 x 5.5" bolt pattern. Another bonus is they often have decent gears & t-lok (posi).
I'm looking for a ~58" Bronco axle or similar for my car as it would be a great fit, and I can keep the same wheels. What gear ratios do they come with? I'd guess they can be a bit high, as they come from a truck.
The early Bronco are the 5 on 5.5 wheel pattern and narrow, like stated above. The pinion is OFFSET more than most 9 inch Fords because of the 4X4 ... but I have one under my 32 Ford Roadster and they work well. They come in two different types. Large and Small wheel bearing ... Try to get the larger one if you can. The ones with the larger bearing also has 11 inch brakes, not the 10.5 inch brakes like the ones with the small wheel bearing. The size difference is not all that great a difference in stopping power BUT the 11 inch brake stuff is the same as Ford pickup. The 11 inch stuff is easier to find. The 10.5 brake stuff is all my itself and somewhat difficult ( read that expensive ) to get . Mine is the 10.5 ... You know ... the hard way to do it ... I found this brake stuff out AFTER I had the rear under the 32. Most are 3.50 geared but the gear ratio does NOT matter because most any 9 inch Ford center section will fit ( with 28 splines ... ALL early Broncos came with the 28 spline axles ) ...
Tough as nails and lots of rodders are using them now cause they are cheap strong and plentiful. We got a couple stashed for future use since 9 inch fords are not a cheap as they once were. Rod
I picked up a '67 Bronco nine inch last year for $150.............by the way, it measures 50" backing plate to backing plate, just right for my '32 frame.
Here's a shot of C***i's two dimple Bronco rear before the backing plates........ And here's one of the adapted juice backing plate, with Bronco center............ Not a hard cobble at all. If you're using original wheels it'll want an "adapter" ring made up for the hub flange diameter, or the wheels' lug seats will eventually work and crack. Repros might be orderable to fit the Bronco flange, I don't know about that though.
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