I'm looking for alternatives to the Ford 9" I'm in need of a rear end for my '33 fenderless pickup. I have used a Ford 9" in my other cars but would like an alternative. Trying to keep the unsprung weight to minimum. I'm putting together a 3:78 Banjo but am a little uncertain of what the reliability will be? Just curious what others are using? I'm running a flathead with a T-5 and would like to run 5 on 5 1/2 B.C. Thanks for all comments Craig W.
You could go for a early Bronco 9 inch ... with a aftermarket aluminum center section. It is 22 pounds lighter than a standard center section. I added a aluminum Daytona pinion bearing support ... another pound or so savings. Some of the early Bronco rears ( most of the ones that I have seen ) are small axle bearing and use a smaller 10 inch diameter brake drum ... which is lighter than a standard 9 inch Ford with a 11 inch drum. I believe with all of this ... the early Bronco with these features would be very close in weight to or even less than the old Banjo rear with the big heavy 12 inch brakes. This would give you the 5 on 5.5 wheel pattern, be 58 inches wide total and yet still have the strength of a 9 inch Ford
Dude, run a Banjo, they look cool and are way strong enough if you dont abuse them. Besides you are running a Flathead, it's the perfect combination, even better if you used a 39 Ford 3 speed instead of the T5. Yeah, a 9" is stronger but we are talking traditional Hot Rods here, not peach colored easter eggs/street rods with 9" axles and 350/350 combos.
I don't know what this puppy costs. But it sure is trick! http://wintersperformance.com/catalogs/03StreetRodRears/index800.htm
I hear you loud and clear Dreadman, and I may run my '39 toploader just for you. Thanks for the reply. Craig W.
The Jalopy Journal
