Got me a 9" and a couple questions.

65ShelbyClone · Aug 10, 2006

I got a small bearing 9" from a '58, but it's just the housing and axles. I was under the impression that the 8" hardware like brakes will swap directly onto a small bearing 9". Is that correct? In addition to bigger leaf spring U-bolts, are there any other swap-specific parts I will need?(brake fittings, brackets, etc?) I know a search could probably cover this, but there are just so many threads that I don't have time to go over all of them right now.

Thanks.

LUCAFU1 · Aug 10, 2006

yes your brakes will swap over just fine. you should get the correct spring perches because ive heard the late 50s are to thin and will twist under load. not sure if thats true but they are not as thick (i just cut mine off from my 58 housing). not sure what your gonna use as a center section but ive got two from a late 50s axle. let me know if you need one.

good find, i like the looks of the late 50s axles. also where the tubes are welded is pretty weak compared to later 9" rear ends. im not sure how much youll be drag racing or driving hard but i had 2 round straps welded over where the tubes meet the center section for strength.

BigDaddyCee · Aug 10, 2006

When you decide on a new carrier you will want to make sure the spline count is the same as your axles.

65ShelbyClone · Aug 10, 2006

Thanks for the help. I already have a 28 spline 3.50 T-lok center that I've been sitting on for a year at least. Now I finally have the rest.

Believe me, I already went through the spline count fiasco with my '65 notch. I got a 3.50 T-lok center and seperate Versailles rear end. Got the rear end in and hmm......why aren't the axles engaging the carrier? Ended up with a 31spl Versailles in the end, but still an expensive lesson.

As for abuse and the axle tube welds, I doubt I will ever drag race it more that occasionally and with street tires. It is going to be more Trans-Am oriented, but about 80-90% street car overall. I can gusset the rear if needed.

dennis112 · Aug 10, 2006

Been there, done that, no problems in swapping axles and brakes.

The U bolts needed are 3" and are not available on any year Mustang. Napa can get them if you didn't keep the old ones. The ones the stock are about 2" longer than you actually need so you should consider making them shorter. The spring perches I used came with the traction bars. I later replace them with Cal Tracs which also includes the perches.

Be aware that the bearing axle seal is different than that of a Mustang. Must specify the 58' rear for parts since the flange is different in that respect. The bearings are the same as the Mustang so your axles are a direct swap in.

I've since updated to 31 spline axles for a Mustang with no issues.

Just a passing thought---If the brakes are serviceable on the old rear, you might consider using them since they are bigger than stock Mustang brakes. The big drums might be hard to find though. Wish I would have kept mine. . . .

65ShelbyClone · Aug 10, 2006

dennis112 said:
The U bolts needed are 3" and are not available on any year Mustang. Napa can get them if you didn't keep the old ones. The ones the stock are about 2" longer than you actually need so you should consider making them shorter......

Be aware that the bearing axle seal is different than that of a Mustang. Must specify the 58' rear for parts since the flange is different in that respect. The bearings are the same as the Mustang so your axles are a direct swap in.

Just a passing thought---If the brakes are serviceable on the old rear, you might consider using them since they are bigger than stock Mustang brakes. The big drums might be hard to find though. Wish I would have kept mine. . . .

Regarding the different axle seals.....that means I'd have to replace them in order to use my 8" axles in the 9", right?

On the brakes, ufortunately all I got were the backing plates and some incredibly nasty wheel cylinders. I told the moron on Ebay to ditch the pumpkin to save on shipping. He not only did that, but tossed everything but the backing plates. Oh well, the stuff I have is in working order.

I work in a machine shop so shortening some U-bolts is peanuts.

Are the spring perches even an issue, or can I just go with what's on there?

fasttback · Aug 10, 2006

Did the switch with a '57 rearend in a '66 Mustang. I have the big bearing rear end, so I had to ditch the 10 x 2" Mustang drums for some early bronco 11 x 2.25" drums (different bolt pattern).

One other thing to look out for is the breather hole/brake attachment is located about 6" closer to the drum. This might be a problem for the exhaust and brake line. Some have welded an attachment piece in its place.

dennis112 · Aug 11, 2006

65ShelbyClone said:
Regarding the different axle seals.....that means I'd have to replace them in order to use my 8" axles in the 9", right?

Are the spring perches even an issue, or can I just go with what's on there?

You shouldn't need to replace the seals (for size issues) because it is the outside diameter of the seal that is different between the 58' and the Mustang. The inner diameter (sealing lips) that rides the axle are the same diameter.

You can use the 58' perches if you wish although, IIRC, they were fairly flat and may bend easily in a performance application. I suppose they could be gusseted for more strength.

You could also "possibly" use the Mustang perches if you "oblong" the holes to accept the 3" U bolts and use washers under the nuts. Oblong holes are commonly found in aftermarket perches so they are not a problem.

dennis112 · Aug 11, 2006

fasttback said:
One other thing to look out for is the breather hole/brake attachment is located about 6" closer to the drum. This might be a problem for the exhaust and brake line. Some have welded an attachment piece in its place.

Good point--I had this problem too when I swapped the 8" brake line to the 9". I left the 9" factory vent alone and welded a nut to the housing were the 8" "Y" would be. Then I threaded a bolt (through the Y) into the nut. An easy fix that looks clean and original.

A "dual exhaust" rear brake hose has an additional bracket that might help relocate the hose routing should it be near your exhaust.

65ShelbyClone · Aug 11, 2006

dennis112 said:
You shouldn't need to replace the seals (for size issues) because it is the outside diameter of the seal that is different between the 58' and the Mustang. The inner diameter (sealing lips) that rides the axle are the same diameter.

You can use the 58' perches if you wish although, IIRC, they were fairly flat and may bend easily in a performance application. I suppose they could be gusseted for more strength.

You could also "possibly" use the Mustang perches if you "oblong" the holes to accept the 3" U bolts and use washers under the nuts. Oblong holes are commonly found in aftermarket perches so they are not a problem.

Yeah, but if the O.D. of the seals are different, doesn't that still mean that I'll have to knock the bearings off of the 8" axles and change the seals to the 9" type?

EDIT: Crap, I forgot that the '67 8" is wider than the '58 9". I have to use the '58 axles no matter what. That answers that.

For the perches, I was just wondering if I could the stock '58 stuff without issue. Looks like I can, so cool. I'll be using under rider traction bars most likely, so the perches won't see that much twisting.

dennis112 · Aug 11, 2006

65ShelbyClone said:
Yeah, but if the O.D. of the seals are different, doesn't that still mean that I'll have to knock the bearings off of the 8" axles and change the seals to the 9" type?

EDIT: Crap, I forgot that the '67 8" is wider than the '58 9". I have to use the '58 axles no matter what. That answers that.

For the perches, I was just wondering if I could the stock '58 stuff without issue. Looks like I can, so cool. I'll be using under rider traction bars most likely, so the perches won't see that much twisting.

Your right, the 67' axles won't work.

For the record, only the seal area of the small flange 57-59 rear is machined larger. The remainder of the flange is the same as the Mustang 8" and so the Mustang axles with the stock small wheel bearing fit just fine.

danny clemens · Aug 11, 2006

I used my 66 spring perches. I welded the holes up and drilled them to match the wider U-bolts.

Got me a 9" and a couple questions.

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