I have a '67 coupe with a 289. My rear end was making noise the last time I drove it....5 years ago. I've already replaced some parts in the rear end before. I have an 8" currently, but am wanting to upgrade to a 9" I want to get a new or in very good condition entire axle, brakes, differentials and all. any suggestions where to find one? anyone have any rear end parts they are willing to sell. I think I wanna go with a 3.55 or 3.73 rear end ratio. any advice is appreciated.

 

I dont think a 9" is necessary unless your putting alot of hp to the wheels, i would imagine the 8 is good enough.

If you opt to go with an overdrive transmission the 3.73 gears would be nice but with a 3 spd your rpms are gonna be high on the highway.

3.55's would probably be best with a 3 spd. IMO

 

It has a 4 speed manual in it now. I eventially will drop a 351W and probably a different 4 or maybe a 5 speed tranny. If I'm going to be repairing I might as well be upgrading and leaving the option for upgrading later?

 

Also would installing a posi trac or Locker of some kind be be benificial? more safe? any thoughts?

 

Sounds like you've all ready made up your mind to go with a 9". Nothing wrong with that. Spending money is a good thing. You might try your luck with ebay, or Craigslist. Or just go to a wrecking yard and see what you can find. There is more info on 9" rear ends then you could read in your lifetime. do a google search, and/or search some of the Ford forums (including this one) and you are sure to find exactly the information you are looking for.

If you want a posi, or a locker there are plenty of good reasons to get one. If you are frugal, or just very realistic there are plenty of reasons not to get one.

If I was spending your money, I'd go directly to Currie and have them build me a 9+ with a torsen (I enjoy road racing more than drag racing). Then I'd spend a little more of your money to fab up a Satchell 4 link rear, and probably go with some Ohlin's coil overs.

 

If you are frugal with your money, then go to junk yards and look for Lincoln Versailles from 1976-79. They have the 9 inchers with the rear disk brakes that will fit your car.

 

The Ford 9" is the strongest rear end out there not to mention the most versatile. Check summit, they sell (at least used to) complete rotor to rotor rearends that would more than likly be a direct bolt in. As for "posi" thats a Chevy term, I actually think it was patented by them. Ford calls it traction lock, Pros: good traction, even torque distribution, easier to get "un-stuck" like outta the mud and snow. Cons: easier to lose control, increased gas consumption - as youre driving both axles rather than just 1. Other than that the ford 9" is a VERY good choice, in my opinion, its very strong, gear swaps are as easy as getting a different carrier assembly thats all put together, bolting it in. I bet with prcatice you could swap the center in less than an hour, which would make it REALLY convenient if you wanted to go to the dragstrip and race. Or if youwanted to go on a longer trip, like to a car show, swap in the other and youve got a highway cruiser. AWESOME versatility.
-P.

 

Thanks for all the advice guys. Right now I am being more frugile with my remodeling. the lincoln swap would work well I hope. do I need to check the length of the axles to see if they are too long for the '67? I do want to eventially go with all new parts all over, but that's like 15 years down the road. Thanks for everything and let the advice keep coming.

 

I rebuilt my 8 inch with 3:55's and a Richmond locker, it will now handle up to 400hp and 400 ft lbs of TQ . Unless you're building an engine that is going to produce over 400hp, you're wasting you're money on a 9 inch.

 

a 9 inch is NEVER wasted money.