69 302 8 or 9 inch rear?

[Hydrocarbon]

I have a 1969 Mustang that originally had a 302 V2. I just read an old "Hot Rod" magazine article, and it said that all 67-73 Mustangs with a 302 or larger engine came standard with the 9".

I thought it was optional on the small blocks, and standard on the boss and big blocks. Can someone clarify for me? Also can you tell me how I can find out what rear I have?

Thanks

 

[D.Hearne]

Most likely has an 8" rear. It's easy to tell which, just look at the bottom bolts for the center section, if you can unscrew them with a rachet & socket it's an 8", if you need an end wrench, you have a 9"

 

[Max Power]

Magazines, especially non-Ford specific ones, make mistakes like that all the time.

Look at the carrier of your differential. If the bottom two bolts are accessible straight on with a socket, you have an 8 inch. If the bottom two bolts are shrouded by the carrier and accessible ony via a wrench, you have a 9 inch. There is also a tag from the factory that will tell you, but it is often missing from 35 year old cars.

 

[Max Power]

Jinx!!

 

[Ronstang]

The 9" was standard equipment on 351 and larger engines only in 67-70 Musangs, all 302 cars reqeived 8" rears unless a 9" was special ordered.

 

[bnickel]

well if you are talking about 69 and up. only 351's and up got the 9" except for boss 302's and possibly special ordered cars.

on 67-68 the 9" was only standard on big block and hi-po cars. the only car that i know that originally came equipped with a 302 and a 9" standard in 67-68 was the 68 shelby.

 

[97fxdwg]

Which one has the 2 dimples in the back end of the diff housing?

 

[Max Power]

Old 9s.

 

[97fxdwg]

Thanks, didn't mean to hijack. But it seemed like a good time to ask. Old being............................?? Good, no good, so-so?

 

[D.Hearne]

The 9" with the two dimples were the early ones, starting in 1957 to the early to mid 60's. This rear also looks really close in appearance to the 8" rear.