1978 ford rear end identification

[1978 Homebuilt Fords]

So I was positive I had a ford 9" rear end in my 78 ford f150, and I needed to do bearings in my differential and axles, so I ordered up the bearings kit for my differential, and nothing fits, NOTHING. I ordered the kit from Bronco graveyard, and theyve been pretty reliable this whole time, so I think it was my bad... Are there different versions of the ford 9"? Or do I not have a 9'.... Ill send some pictures and the only numbers i could find on the differential and the axle:

Maybe Im asking dumb questions, maybe these are unhelpful pictures, I apologize if they are. I couldn't find any other numbers than those, and I could hardly read them. Nay input is highly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I don't know much about 9" axles but I do know there's big bearing and small bearing versions... how to tell? no idea but I'm positive someone here will know...

 

[pjtoledo]

what spline count?
any part numbers on the ring gear?

 

[dvdswan]

9-Inch Housing Ends - Currie Enterprises

"The 9-inch was standard equipment in almost every Ford car and light truck built from 1957 through 1986. Today, due to its legendary strength and unparalleled aftermarket support, it can be found in every manner of custom hot rod, muscle car/truck, and drag car. During its long production run, two different axle bearings sizes and three different housing end styles were used."

 

[1978 Homebuilt Fords]

what spline count?
any part numbers on the ring gear?

Ok so heres the rest of the numbers I found:
On the pinion gear, theres: 02 AW L 46.0 10 35 FORD 9R
On the Ring gear( which Im assuming is the gear directly inline with the axles) theres: MCC 70 C6 AW 420, and on the very edge of the same gear there is FORD D2TW 4210A1035
and on the inside of the differential there is: C7 AW E 74
There is 28 splines on the pinion gear shaft, and 31 splines on the axles.

I hope that helps. That's everything I could find, there was no tag on the axle anywhere that I could see.

 

[Angie]

this may help you. should be the first pages of a book dedicated to ford 8.8 and 9. you should be able to ID the parts you have there.

cheers

Ford Differentials

The Ford 8.8- and 9-inch rear differentials are two of the most popular and best-performing differentials on the market. While the 8.8-inch differential is commonly used in late-model Mustangs, the 9-inch is the more popular and arguably the most dominant high-performance differential for muscle...

books.google.ca

 

[1978 Homebuilt Fords]

this may help you. should be the first pages of a book dedicated to ford 8.8 and 9. you should be able to ID the parts you have there.

cheers

Ford Differentials

The Ford 8.8- and 9-inch rear differentials are two of the most popular and best-performing differentials on the market. While the 8.8-inch differential is commonly used in late-model Mustangs, the 9-inch is the more popular and arguably the most dominant high-performance differential for muscle...

books.google.ca

Thank you very much! That did help out a great deal. I think I'm on the right track now... I really appreciate it everyone!!

 

[JoshT]

I was going to say it might be a Ford 8" (not 8.8") axle. It's very similar in design to the 9" with the drop out carrier and everything. The 8" only came with 28 spline axles (like the earlier 9") and yours is a 31 spline, so thats a 9" inch for sure.

These guys are steering you right. As mentioned there were definitely two different axle bearing sizes and a few housing ends. I seem to recall there being two different carriers depending on gear size, but I may be thinking of a different axle and dont know how it would affect carrier bearing sizes.