You are right. A stock 9" is that way. A floater is a (" that has bolt on hubs and floating axles. It's what Nascar runs,IMCA Mods, most Stret Stock,ect. It's mostly used in circle track but can be put in anything. Do a search for yourself and you'll see what I'm talking about. Here's a link to some 9" flaoter axles.
http://www.southwestspeed.com/?sec=v...x%205,%20Solid