my 7" finally decided to "retire" yesterday and I'm in need of replacement. I'd rather have a bolt in replacement and would be happy with a stock 8" but a buddy of mine says he has a 9" from a 2002( i think) crown victoria w/disc brakes and 4.11 gears. I havent taken a look at it yet but I know its not leaf susp and is likely a bit wider, so some cutting/welding is probably gonna happen. My question is has anyone done this swap? what kind of issues will I run into? How much money should I expect to spend? I don't have disc brakes up front yet so i'm not sure how having better brakes in back will work out as well. Let me know what you guys think.
Ford 9" ended in the mid 1980s... As far as bolt in, I would just get an 8", unless you are putting down some serious torque.
2002 crown vic is an 8.8 that uses a coil or air spring, is much wider, is a four link, and has a pivot for the watts link mounted to the front of the housing. Serious fab work required.
If it's really a '02 it a 8.8" & is a very good rear but the cost to add spring perches, shorten the housing and axles would be a deal breaker... For 8.8" better choice is Explorer, only one side of housing has to be shortened and the replacement (shorter) axle can come from another Explorer...
most rangers were 7.5". a few were 8.8". the ranger rear end does have the pinon off set to the passenger side like the explorer but its narrower. ive never seen a 7.5 ranger come with a limited slip stock. ive install plenty. easiest thing will be to find a maverick 8" rear end. nothing newer than 78 will be a bolt in that i know of.
Hi when I did my install of a 9" I used a stock rearend from a 57 ford 57 58& 59 are the same all I did was removed the old one and dropped in the new one. I had to push the springs apart with my hands and feet it fell right in. I raced it and it was my every day driver. This was back in 1971 when I ordered my Maverick black on black and black interior with dark tinted windows.
I've attached a link to a nice article concerning the 8" differentials. Pay particular attention to paragraph ten. http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2008/05/01/hmn_feature23.html Good luck with your swap.
Yeah at one time I had two '57 wagons with 3.56 gears and a Currier with 4.11, 0f course all were sold/junked 45+ years ago... Only thing saved was the 4.11 pumpkin that I later sold...
I'm hoping to get the swap started this week. I'll try to remember to take some pics for show tell later