SWAP MEET
FORD 9-INCH DIFFERENTIALS BEHIND BIG-BLOCK CHEVY
Q: Any recommendations for a good rear axle to put behind a 1960 Chevy? I have gotten several recommendations for using the Ford third-member 9-inch or the Ranger 8.8-inch. I heard that the 8.8-inch from a Ford Explorer would have rear disc brakes, which may be another good reason for the upgrade. By the way, this car has a transplanted 454 engine.
Dan Prez
Via Hemmings.com
A: Your Chevy should be about 59 1/2 inches wide at the rear axle, making the 1997-’01 Mercury Mountaineer or 1991-’94 Mazda Navajo rear just about right. You could also squeeze a 59 3/4-inches 1996 and newer Explorer rear in there. We’d search for post-1995 units for the disc brake feature. Where possible, try to figure out if the unit has Traction-Lok and the stronger 31-spline axles. You will have to remove the rear cover to determine that. Traction-Lok differentials will have a large S-shaped spring holding the side gears in place. The difference in the wheel bolt pattern will also have to be addressed.
FORD 8-INCH DIFFERENTIALS
Q: I am lucky enough to still have a tag on the rear axle in my street
