As these examples show, the...
As these examples show, the small bearing (left) and large bearing (right) show us the differences in surface area for the bearings that would be installed to support the axles.
Large Bearing/Small Bearing
The 9-inch Ford was available with small or large axle bearings and flanges. From the factory, this meant two different wheel bolt patterns: large and small. Big Fords in the '70s, as well as some trucks, had the large bearing and bolt pattern. this is important to performance in durability. The large bearing housing/flange is simply stronger than the small bearing.
Differential SetUp Quick Points
When Currie sets up a differential,...
When Currie sets up a differential, it doesn't use the crush sleeves the factory originally used. Too much chance for error, Ray Currie tells us.
Currie uses a more foolproof...
Currie uses a more foolproof method: a presized spacer and shims at the pinion gear. Once proper pinion depth is determined at the ring gear, assembly continues.
When the ring gear is coated...
When the ring gear is coated with white grease and run through both ways, we get to see the gear mesh first hand.
Contact should be right in...
Contact should be right in the middle of each tooth on both sides of the tooth (as shown), though some applications (racing, for instance) will use a slightly different pattern.
Ring gear and carrier installation,...
Ring gear and carrier installation, when performed properly, involves "feeling" the ring-and-pinion marriage. We want the pinion gear properly meshed with the ring gear. Too tight and you burn it up; too loose and you wind up with noise and unnecessary wear.
Currie uses a dial-indicator...
Currie uses a dial-indicator to determine backlash (how much slack there is between the ring-and-pinion). You want to allow room for the ring-and-pinion to grow with heat.
In the interest of safety...
In the interest of safety and security, always use thread locker on all differential fasteners, always use a torque wrench, and always double-check your work.
| 9-Inch Housing Applications & Types |
Years | Applications | Hub Size | Bolt Circle | Housing End |
| '57-'63 | Early Sm. Bearing | 2.43" | 41/2" | Small Bearing |
| '64-'73 | Sm. Bearing | 2.43" | 41/2" | Small Bearing |
| '57-'63 | Early Lg. Bearing | 2.43" | 41/2" | Large Bearing |
| '58-'60 | Edsel Large Bearing | 2.870" | 5" | Large Bearing |
| '57-'63 | Early Pickup | 2.870" | 51/2" | Large Bearing |
| '57-'69 | Lg. Bearing | 2.430"/2.780" | 41/2" | Large Bearing |
| '64-'79 | Pickup Lg. Bearing | 2.870" | 51/2" | Large Bearing |
| '79 1/2 | Pickup Lg. Bearing | 2.870" | 51/2" | Large Bearing |
| '72-'79 | Torino Lg. Bearing | 2.780" | 41/2" | Torino Lg. Bearing |
| '79-'86 | Late Pickup Lg. Bearing | 2.870" | 51/2" | Torino Lg. Bearing |