thanks
i think my best bet right now is to bear with the set up i have now until i hunt down a II center or come up with 500 bucks, starting to realize i can't do it all at once...lol

 

The easiest thing available for you would be a 9" from a 67-70 Mustang or Cougar as thes would bolt directly up without a problem. There may be other Ford vehicles with the same deminsions like the Torino, but I'm unsure of them..

A decent 8" trac lock might be an easier route though, as they are easier to get. And like fakesnake said, if not looking to run a buttload of torque (which I assume your not since you said your a broke HS student), the 8" might be more practical for you than the overkill 9". I've heard you can build 8" differentials up pretty damn beefy anways...

Scan ebay, craigs, and visit your local scrap yards... good luck

 

I had the same questions as you. After my research, I came to the conclusion to what I wanted and this is what I have.

I had to replace my stock 8" anyways. Tossed it, it was in need of a complete overhaul. Went with a new 9" housing with 31 spline axles from currie.

Went with the currie 9" 3rd member with a true-trac 3.73 gears, mainly used for a street car but since I will be using a tko600 5 speed, I can run it well enough on the highway. Currie has been around forever and they are decently priced. All of their stuff bolted right in my 67 without any issues. Very easy swap, except for the scar I still wear from removing the front leaf spring eyebolts, those dame things. Arrrgh.

I went with a true trac because it has no clutches to wear out and it doesn't make the clanking noise when turning, and it is still a "posi".

 

what was the total cost of your completed 9"?

 

It was around $2300, 960 for the axles and housing, bearings, etc. and $1300+ for the 3rd member.

 

Mine was $2,722.35, but I added the Explorer disc brake package (not really needed for a street car):

 

my guess is he doesn't have that kind of cash

 

i was in the same range 2100USD not including VAT/duty/shipping
new axle housing, 3.5:1 trac loc from ford racing + the explorer disc brakes and moser axles

8" would have done for my car as is but I blew two of those 6banger diffs, so I went bulletproof being sick of it.

you might just want to drive your car as is and see if there's any other things more important than a 9" LSD. as Mark already says 9" is not need for below 350HP/TQ. this way you can keep all your parts and only change the 4rd member as far as I know ...
I'd drive first, then think ... ;-)

 

As long as your rearend is in working condition, I would just get a set of Auburn Gears. For your car I would go with a 3:25's, which I think would be a good all around gear for you. If you do want more, I would not go any more than 3:55's.

 

3.25's are not near deep enough. 3.55's would be a minimum, with the 3.80 being the better option. I ran 3.70 in my 68 for years, getting on the highway w/o problems, until I really starting to get into drag racing and went to a deeper gear. The 3.25 gear is to much of a highway gear. If you spend 90% of your time on the highway then it might be a good choice, but if you want to have some umph off the line go with something around the 3.70 range