Bolt in 9" for an MM?...

[GreekGod]

...I'm sure I know the answer, but was there ever a bolt in 9" rear axle assembly for any Panther ('79-2007), or does anyone make one?

[Dennis Reinhart]

...I'm sure I know the answer, but was there ever a bolt in 9" rear axle assembly for any Panther ('79-2007), or does anyone make one?

Any thing is possible if your pockets can stand it

[fastblackmerc]

Check with Moser.

http://www.moserengineering.com/

My son just got a Ford 9" bolt-in replacement for his '99 Camaro. It wasn't cheap.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Stock for stock, the 8.8 should be every bit as strong as a 9 (of course comparing 31 spline 8.8 to 31 spline 9). Are you planning on running faster than 10s in the 1/4 or something?

[GreekGod]

As far as I know, nobody makes a 9" conversion for an MM rear axle assembly. I want a bolt in replacement for the convenience of a removable center section, roller bearings that don't ride on the axle-shaft (semi-floating), or possibly full-floating axles, like NASCAR uses.

The Salisbury (integral) design is a cheap and unsafe substitute for a 9". The axle-shafts are retained by C-clips, rather than a pressed on bearing and bolted on retainer plate. That's why safety hubs are recommended for dragracing an 8.8".

[Krytin]

I agree. The C-clip axles/cariers are not as strong as the 9".
A plus for the 8.8" is the repositioning of pinion/ring geer to improve power tranfer loss.
Right now there is so much end play on the right rear axle on my car that it actually pushes back the piston in the brake caliper - been that way for at least 40k miles. The first time the axle was replaced it was because it moved in and out over an 1/8". Replaced the axle and repacked the clutches in the rear and it still had the play even after trying thicker C-clips to eliminate the play. Just waiting for it to blow under the extended waranty.

[FordNut]

Have a custom 8.8" built with the 8.8" center section and 9" axle tubes & ends. If you go with a 9" it's going to be difficult to get the mounting stud setup for the watts link.

[superford3]

i think its way overkill and price does not justify it

[GreekGod]

Have a custom 8.8" built with the 8.8" center section and 9" axle tubes & ends. If you go with a 9" it's going to be difficult to get the mounting stud setup for the watts link.

9" axle tubes and ends sounds like the best alternative method to get increased safety and lose the C-clips, while eliminating the expense of converting the whole assembly.

It would have been handy if the first year Panthers had the 9".

[martyo]

Have a custom 8.8" built with the 8.8" center section and 9" axle tubes & ends. If you go with a 9" it's going to be difficult to get the mounting stud setup for the watts link.

Been there, broke that.

Just build a 9 inch amd suck it up.

[RCSignals]

You should be able to have a 9" built for anything. there are a number of places that can do it. Won't be inexpensive.

It there was a 9" used in a '79 panther do not expect it to fit a 2003 or 2004 Panther.

While the "Panther" platform has been around since 1979, it has undergone many changes and revisions. Do not believe otherwise.

[GreekGod]

You should be able to have a 9" built for anything. there are a number of places that can do it. Won't be inexpensive.

It there was a 9" used in a '79 panther do not expect it to fit a 2003 or 2004 Panther.

While the "Panther" platform has been around since 1979, it has undergone many changes and revisions. Do not believe otherwise.


I don't want a 9" built, I want one that has already been made, and will bolt in.

I understand I can have one built, I could do it myself for that matter. I want a NASCAR type bolt-in assembly with thick wall 3" tubes, a back brace, full floating 3/4 ton large bearing axle ends, a HD banjo housing, gun-drilled axles, Daytona pinion bearing retainer with solid pre-load spacer, Detroit locker, Wilwood rotors, ABS toothed wheel adapted, and a no-hassle, proper pinion angle, bolt in assembly that I can change out in about 4 hours.

Time is money to me. If I could find one with everything, to go, it would be well worth the extra expense. Of course, with the lack of a volume buying public, it likely won't pay a rear end specialist to build a production jig and brackets.

[fastblackmerc]

I don't want a 9" built, I want one that has already been made, and will bolt in.

I understand I can have one built, I could do it myself for that matter. I want a NASCAR type bolt-in assembly with thick wall 3" tubes, a back brace, full floating 3/4 ton large bearing axle ends, a HD banjo housing, gun-drilled axles, Daytona pinion bearing retainer with solid pre-load spacer, Detroit locker, Wilwood rotors, ABS toothed wheel adapted, and a no-hassle, proper pinion angle, bolt in assembly that I can change out in about 4 hours.

Time is money to me. If I could find one with everything, to go, it would be well worth the extra expense. Of course, with the lack of a volume buying public, it likely won't pay a rear end specialist to build a production jig and brackets.

Contact Moser Engineering. See the pics of the 9" Ford bolt-in from Moser for a 4th Gen Camaro here:

http://www.horsepowerjunkies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47735&page=1&pp=25&highlight=ford

Took us a weekend to install. Waiting on a custom driveshaft.

[RCSignals]

I don't want a 9" built, I want one that has already been made, and will bolt in.

I understand I can have one built, I could do it myself for that matter. I want a NASCAR type bolt-in assembly with thick wall 3" tubes, a back brace, full floating 3/4 ton large bearing axle ends, a HD banjo housing, gun-drilled axles, Daytona pinion bearing retainer with solid pre-load spacer, Detroit locker, Wilwood rotors, ABS toothed wheel adapted, and a no-hassle, proper pinion angle, bolt in assembly that I can change out in about 4 hours.

Time is money to me. If I could find one with everything, to go, it would be well worth the extra expense. Of course, with the lack of a volume buying public, it likely won't pay a rear end specialist to build a production jig and brackets.

Well after Marty has one built they'll be all ready for yours I guess

[GreekGod]

...John Kuhn suggested I call Paul's High Performance (http://www.paulshp.com/ (http://www.paulshp.com/)). I just got off the phone with Paul and he gave me the low-down. The 9" is a poor fit for many reasons (too wide in the front, interferes with the gas tank, trouble fitting brackets, etc).

I was surprized to learn he has done several conversions with the Ford truck (Super-Duty?) 9 3/4".They made their own brackets.

He said the 8.8" is over-all too light duty, including the axle tubes, and 500 hp is the limit, at best. I know many think the 8.8" is more than adequate, but the more manly, he-man types want real over-kill. No girly-man, GM knock-off, axle-eating roller bearing embarrassment copies. ;)

Now, I'd like to see a photo essay of the whole 9 3/4" build and conversion. I don't expect too much, do I?

[martyo]

Well after Marty has one built they'll be all ready for yours I guess

If someone wants to kick in on the cost of mine, they can get some lessons, otherwise they are SOL.

[RCSignals]

...............

I was surprized to learn he has done several conversions with the Ford truck (Super-Duty?) 9 3/4".They made their own brackets.

.................

I think Ford uses that rear in the (stretch) Limo prep package. If they in fact do, it may already have the correct bracketry.

Although, the Shelby GT500 and upcoming Shelby GT500 KR both use the 8.8 differential from what I've read, any are both over 500HP

[GreekGod]

Although, the Shelby GT500 and upcoming Shelby GT500 KR both use the 8.8 differential from what I've read, any are both over 500HP

Those Mustangs are somewhat traction limited with the forward weight bias, and not as heavy as our MM's. Paul also mentioned the weight of MM's being a factor in the weakness of the 8.8" in our chassis.

The 9 3/4" conversion also surprized me because I haven't heard of it before. I will do a search on this website, but since Paul has done many conversions, I suspect there a few hold-outs that aren't talking.

[RCSignals]

.................

The 9 3/4" conversion also surprized me because I haven't heard of it before. I will do a search on this website, but since Paul has done many conversions, I suspect there a few hold-outs that aren't talking.

I also have never heard of anyone doing such a conversion

[O's Fan Rich]

I'm considering having S&W Racecars ( near me) www.swracecars.com build one for my car. I like the idea of being able to swap pumpkins and thereby get a gear ratio change. Swapping a 9" pumpkin is a lot easier than changing gears. And can be done at the track.

[crouse]

How about a Quick Change rear end?

http://www.wintersperformance.com/