From Jalopnik · Chris Stark · · 1m 10s
Ford 9-Inch Rear End Still America's Favorite
Ford's 9-inch rear axle remains popular decades after production ended for drag racing and off-road use.
In brief
Ford's 9-inch rear axle remains popular decades after production ended for drag racing and off-road use. Ford's 9-inch rear axle is still widely used in drag racing and off-road vehicles despite being discontinued in 1986. Originally reported by Jalopnik.
Why the Ford 9-Inch Matters
The Ford 9-inch rear axle is the simplest solid rear axle for rear-wheel-drive cars, housing both differential and axles in one unit.
Racing History
Racers adapted heavy-duty truck axles to hot rods in the early days of drag racing because they could withstand engine abuse without disintegrating.
Ford's 1957 Breakthrough
The Ford 9-inch axle debuted in 1957 passenger cars and light trucks, offering strength without the weight of truck axles.
Why It Stands Out
The 9-inch has three bearings supporting the pinion gear, a 9-inch ring gear, and a detachable third member for easy gear ratio swaps.
Adaptability Wins
The 9-inch can retrofit into vehicles not originally equipped, with sheet-metal center sections easier to weld than cast-iron units.
Why It Endures
Aftermath companies keep making parts for the 9-inch, and it remains popular in drag racing and off-road applications despite being discontinued in 1986.
What it means
Ford's 9-inch rear axle is still widely used in drag racing and off-road vehicles despite being discontinued in 1986.
