Is an 8" better than a 9"?

Discussion in 'Classic Talk' started by 67MustangManiac, Feb 12, 2006.

  1. 67MustangManiac New Member

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    Rear axle, that is!!

    I'm debating rear selection for a 67 Stang. Everything from TBird IRS to 9 and 8 inch rears. Been reading and found out that an 8" rear is 100lbs lighter than a 9"!! That's a LOT of unsprung weight.
    http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/1999/12/lockright/index.shtml

    Any downside? I see positive traction devices are available as well as several gear ratios.....interesting! Why SHOULDN'T I use an 8"?

    thanks

    Maniac!:banana:
  2. WORTH New Member

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    the 9 is alot stronger if your gonna push some HP out of it. For a daily driver the 8 is fine.
  3. rbohm Founding Member

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    i agree with worth. stay under 350hp, and the 8" will be fine. as far as aftermarket parts for the 8", check out currie enterprises.
  4. nmk_61802 Member

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    Not saying Ford Muscle is incorrect, but I wish they would've provided some back-up on that wieght difference. Configured identically, my understanding was about 25lbs difference between the two. Now if you are talking a Versailles rear w/ disc's the difference should be more like 60lbs. Ref.

    http://www.ultrastang.com/Rearinfo.asp?Page_ID=1

    Again not saying they are wrong just requires looking into.
  5. geneos5546 New Member

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    8 is ok for 350 or less 9 inch is stronger but not needed unless you are tubbing car with major with rims
  6. zookeeper Founding Member

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    The guy who said the difference is more like 25lbs is right. I know lots of people who used to believe the 100lb difference myth, but it just isn't so. Unless you plan on hammering the car, or putting some serious rubber on it and drag racing it, I wouldn't worry about it. I know someone will likely post about how weak they are, but until you break something, don't sweat it.
  7. S&B teh Hass love child

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    :shrug: :nonono: an 8.8 inch rear end found in a turbo coupe will hold tons of power it all depends on your posi setup, i run over 700 hp through it, there is no use for a 9" unless your running crazy power doing wheel stands w/slicks.
  8. WORTH New Member

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    He's talking aobut an 8", not the newer 8.8
  9. Jester67 New Member

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    FYI 67 and above 8" are stronger.
  10. WORTH New Member

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    What did they change to make them stronger?
  11. 67MustangManiac New Member

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    I thought that sounded like an enormous difference...I wasn't sure where they could have saved that much. ( I helped someone remove a 9" out of an LTD just yesterday) If it weighed 100 lbs LESS...that'd be pretty light!
    This will be for a Shelby 350 clone, 289 (or 5.0), Toploader 4 speed. It will see the occasional drag strip pass but mostly a cruiser.

    Hey Hearne!! Find an 8" for me!!!:D

    thanks y'all!

    Maniac!:banana:
  12. Red5oh New Member

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    Where are you at? I have an 8" COMPLETE, out of a 67 V8 car... I swapped in an 8.8 for it. I am near Dallas TX
  13. Jester67 New Member

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    http://www.kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htm
    <img src="http://www.geocities.com/kevinstang66/x14.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div>
    65-66 mustang center
    <img src="http://www.kevinstang.com/uv52.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div>
    Later improved carrier for the 8" found in 67 and up

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