Millions of Ford 9-inch axles were produced. Ford finally ended its production in 1986 when it was replaced by the Ford 8.8-inch axle, but it went into countless 1966-1983 Ford Broncos and 1957-1983 Ford F-100 and F-150 pickup trucks. It was also used in a number of cars from hot rods to pre runners.

A semi-floating axle, the Ford 9-inch had a GAWR as high as 3,600-pounds, depending upon application. The axle was so popular and versatile that quite a few aftermarket companies still produce a version of this axle, and it’s still used in innumerable truck restorations and rebuilds, as well as being very big with hot rod builders.

One of the major differences between the Ford 9-inch and other heavy-duty solid axles is that the rear cover is welded to the axle housing. Access to its differential is done by removing the center cover on the pinion (front) side of the axle where it connects to the rear driveshaft yoke. This means that in order to remove or work on the differential, you must disconnect the driveshaft. However, the advantage to the Ford 9-inch is that you disassemble and reassemble the differential gears, and adjust clearances conveniently on the bench top.

One of the newest pieces of Ford 9-inch hardware to come along is a bolt-in Spicer third member. A premium-grade aluminum option is lightweight and meant for street car use, while a nodular iron unit offers the beef needed for off-road conditions. This new Spicer Ford 9-inch center section is just the right thing for high-performance applications, and there are applications for off-road, street rod, circle track, or other race rigs.