Telling the diff
Sure, easy. But Ford made a SMALLER (8") and a LARGER (some Lincolns) rear (third member type) than the 9", and these are not so obvious
Mopar 8 3/4 is exactly "round."
Ford is "slightly flattened" at top and bottom of housing:
(Read this link)
http://www.kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htm
Ford 9, not all have the "hump" in the back:
BUT THIS is the smaller 8" axle, which looks very much the same:
To tell between the smaller 8" and the 9", look at the bottom nuts on the third member. IF you can stick a socket and extension onto the bottom bolt, it's the smaller 8". IF you must use a box wrench (no room for a socket) it's a 9"
Sure, easy. But Ford made a SMALLER (8") and a LARGER (some Lincolns) rear (third member type) than the 9", and these are not so obvious
Mopar 8 3/4 is exactly "round."
Ford is "slightly flattened" at top and bottom of housing:
(Read this link)
http://www.kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htm
Ford 9, not all have the "hump" in the back:
BUT THIS is the smaller 8" axle, which looks very much the same:
To tell between the smaller 8" and the 9", look at the bottom nuts on the third member. IF you can stick a socket and extension onto the bottom bolt, it's the smaller 8". IF you must use a box wrench (no room for a socket) it's a 9"