September 2009

1955-57 9” Ford Rear End Installation

Article By Randy Irwin

The weakest part of the driveline on a Tri-Five has got to be the rear end. However, it is usually the last thing to be changed - if it works don’t fix it syndrome. A new engine you can show off to your friends, an overdrive transmission can save you gas money; but the rear end is under the car, out of sight out of mind. A 9” Ford is the way to go as far as durability, ease of finding parts and least expense in the long run. Finding a 9” with good bearings, the ratio you want, with a posi and the right width can be tough. The Ford rears Eckler’s carries manufactured by The 9” Factory is a completely new rear end (housing and all internals are new, nothing used!) for the Tri-Fives with either drum or disc brakes that is a truly a bolt-in unit. The leaf spring perches will be set correctly, the width is exact to your specs, the axles have the Chevy bolt pattern and with the supplied U-joint the stock driveshaft can be used without any modifications. These rear ends are now available in semi-gloss black powder coat so you don’t even have to take it apart and paint it if you choose one of the “PC” rears. With The 9” Factory rear end, the hardest job you’ll have is unpacking it from the shipping pallet!               

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