Is this normal?
 

I was looking at my new to me 71 swb and noticed the rearend has a drop out third member like a ford 9in is this normal? I didn't think it was...
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Re: Is this normal?
 

Could be an Eaton (corporate) HO52 rear diff... got any pics? An Eaton will look something like this:
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...oJxpCLgYNAccJ_ http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...KAzTA1B_vxdwaj http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...PiHIvBiEC9JiPw

Re: Is this normal?
 

I took a quick pic with my phone but dunno how to post from an iPhone but it looks similar just doesn't have a removable diff cover it looks factory. My truck is a 71 five lug truck so when I looked under it was a little concerned. I'll try and get a pic up tomorrow.
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Re: Is this normal?
 

OK... Eaton diffs are 8-lugs and used on 3/4T and 1T trucks so that's not what you have.

Don't know offhand who made a drop-in diff with no cover, besides a 9 inch Ford.

Re: Is this normal?
 

Well that's great guess I'll have to figure what the PO screwed up and see if I can find some original equipment.
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Re: Is this normal?
 

early ford pick ups had a 9 inch and 5 on 5 bolt pattern, good rear ends, wind up in a lot of hot rods.

Re: Is this normal?
 

There's a 5 lugger 71-72 on Craigslist Oklahoma city $150 3.08 open 12 bolt linked HERE

or I have one pretty much an empty housing if you want it. (free)

Re: Is this normal?
 

Hey I appreciate it if I can't find one close I might take ya up on that I have a guy down here that has prolly ten of these ok trucks sitting in his lot so I'll see if he has what I need.
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Re: Is this normal?
 

If it is already in and working fine, i would leave it. The 9" is stronger than the 12 bolt.

Re: Is this normal?
 

Interested
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Re: Is this normal?
 

Check you lug pattern to see if its 5 on 5 and if not it could be a rear from a mid to late 50's GM car with the trailing arm mounts welded to it. Just a thought.

Re: Is this normal?
 

Well it works fine but the trac bar the PO has cobbled on there is no bueno I am going to take pics in a bit and post them tonight I don't have a problem with it just want it to be right and safe. I have several six lug trucks I can rob a rear from but will have to convert it to five. And I don't want it to be a pain to find brakes or replacement parts for.
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Re: Is this normal?
 

Ok I took the bed off today to survey what the PO has done and to see what rearend I am working with. So here is the pics... the bad is it’s a 9in and its a cobbled up mess on how they put it under there. So I am now in search of everything back from the cross member that holds the trailing arms... So let the search begin. I really want everything to be back like it was originally and I am doing a suspension kit and blasting the frame and coating it so won’t be a big deal. If anybody needs a good 9in give me a shout I got one lol.

Re: Is this normal?
 

That looks like a '57 oldsmobile rearend.
http://cruisinstyle.com/tech/100015/

Re: Is this normal?
 

:agree: this

Re: Is this normal?
 

Well I have no idea but it's gotta go...
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Re: Is this normal?
 

Might be a 55-64 full size Chevy, they used that style.

Re: Is this normal?
 

I'm thinking "mid 50's or 60's Olds or Pontiac. The tri-five housing is slightly flat on the top and bottom. The Olds/Pont. were more round like what you have. Definitely NOT a 9" Ford. They have a removable front bearing housing. Good luck, and let us know what you find out.

Re: Is this normal?
 

Well if you have access to those 6 lug trucks see if one is a 1970, some of them had the wider housing (same length as 71-72 5 lug) then you can snag everything you need and swap out the 6 lug axles for some 5 lug axles. I forget the measurements but keith (lolife99) can tell you for sure. or for that matter measure all of the rears, my 67 had the wide 70 in it already, thats why I have an empty 71 housing.

Re: Is this normal?
 

Yeah, definitely not a 9".

Re: Is this normal?
 

Well a little update I called the guy that 67c10rustbuket had posted for me and I got myself a rearend so THANK YOU for posting that. And he came down on the price so now just need to find me a set of good trailing arms!!!