Large vs Small 9" bearings

[brianproctorla]

I am considering buying a 9 inch from a 57 Ranchero for a 76 stang
Previously I had bought 10 x 2.5 rear drums from an 86 lincoln for future use on a small bearing 9".
The backing plates will not work with the ranchero large bearing.
Can this be re-drilled?
Are there any advantages associated with the larger bearings or the ranchero 9 inch in general?

I might wait for a 57-59 passenger 9 inch in order to keep the brakes

 

[D.Hearne]

The drawback here is the center hole for the bearing itself. The other mount holes can be redrilled-no problem. Will the large bearing fit thru the small bearing hole?

 

[brianproctorla]

I appreciate the help. I think I am going to hold off and wait for a small bearing rear. I've also heard that there are more options, as far as disc brake kits, for the smaller bearing.

If I had not already bought the 10 x 2.5 drum brake setup, I would have considered this swap and gone with 11 x 2.5 rear brakes with redrilled drums.

 

[fasttback]

I have a 1957 Ranchero big bearing rear end. Yes there are more disc brake options for small bearing rear end. I'm running Bronco big bearing drum brakes on my '57 now (11 x 2.25). I would opt for the small bearing rearend now.

 

[Sicarius428]

For the large bearing you can rob the rear disks off a ford explorer.... I am not sure how many options you are looking for. Just find one that works.
Kevin

 

[fasttback]

For the large bearing you can rob the rear disks off a ford explorer.... I am not sure how many options you are looking for. Just find one that works.
Kevin

I think there are "new" and "old" bolt patterns for the big bearing rearends (I will look into this later, I have the chart at home). - can always redrill though.