ford 8 inch? is the power ratting max at 300hp?

[66P51GT]

The weak point of failure for most 8" housings is the bearing support for the pinion. In comparison to the 9" rear, it is much smaller. The aluminum Currie rear end housing uses a larger bearing so I would assume it would be stronger. Dropping another 15 lbs. is a nice benefit as well.

As for the 28 spline axels. Axels are interchanbeable between 8" and 9" rears as long as the housing is the same width.

 

[Hack]

It is nice that we can disagree on things like this , it gives everyone a chance to make up there own minds. IMO I would not use a stock 28 spline axle in anything I am planning on using at the track. As far as a wives tale 28 spline axles are weak. I have personally seen the splines dissappear after being used in a drag application in a 2700 pound car with less than 400 rear wheel horse power using slicks and a locker. For the street and radial tires they will last a long time, but you really never put any torque to them any way.

I'm sure that everything you are saying is true. However, you're comparing apples and oranges here.

First, you say 8" is strong if you put good aftermarket components in it (also assuming you're running it on the street with low torque and street tires).

Next you say 28 spline 9" is weak (assuming all stock components, 400 torque or more, and slicks at the strip).

Apples and oranges.

Do you sell 8" rears? You are giving a very biased impression, IMO.

I don't have much experience, but I've read a lot of sad stories about people breaking rears on here - only 8" rears. When you break a rear end, it's not unusual to damage a lot of other parts. Plus it can be very embarassing and inconvenient. [Edit: Oh, and you could seriously injure yourself, your passenger or others.] From that reading, I would recommend to anyone to take the time and effort to convert to a 9". I don't think you'll regret it. I'm going to get one.. it's not glamorous or cool, but I really don't want to break my car.

 

[Route666]

The weak point of failure for most 8" housings is the bearing support for the pinion. In comparison to the 9" rear, it is much smaller. The aluminum Currie rear end housing uses a larger bearing so I would assume it would be stronger. Dropping another 15 lbs. is a nice benefit as well.

As for the 28 spline axels. Axels are interchanbeable between 8" and 9" rears as long as the housing is the same width.

Thanks for the info!

15lb? Is that all the weight difference would be between an aluminium 8" carrier and a Al 9" carrier? Hardly seems worth bothering with.

 

[66P51GT]

No - 15 lb. is the difference between the Currie aluminum 8" carrier vs. the stock iron 8" carrier. A complete 8" rear end is more like 50 lbs. lighter than a 9". There was a thread some time ago that discussed this but I can't find it.

Last I remember a 9" with drum brakes is ~180 lbs.

For those of you who know the exact weight, please weigh in - <grin>.

-Chuck

 

[restomod]

here is my .02 .you can break anything with enough torque!

 

[Great68]

So far so good for my 8" after my recent motor work, it's been working just fine. Although I have a spare 3rd member just in case, and I am looking for a 9" for a swap in the winter

 

[66P51GT]

here is my .02 .you can break anything with enough torque!

Oh so true.