My friend just bought a 77 Maverick with a 9" rear axle. He says that is is a rare factory equiped that way, and that Ford only made 150 or so.. he's adamant that its factory.. I didnt think any Mavs came with 9"...is it true????
Some folks can't tell a 9 inch from an 8 inch (but enough about sex .... ) If you can use a socket on the bottom two bolts it is an 8. If you need to use an open end wrench because the pinion is in the way, it is a 9. Some Granadas came with a 9 toward the end of the run. They were probably trying to use up the remaining stock of parts. The will bolt into a Mav, and are about 2 inches wider (perfect for stuffing a Mav with old school wheels and tires). They also had hideous gear ratios ... ranging 2.4 to 2.7 or so.
And they didn't come with dual exhaust,or four barrel carburetors, four speed manual transmissions, no Shelby packages, or locking differential rears, no Boss engines, no big blocks, no 351s, no c-6 transmissions, no convertible tops, or rear wheel disc brakes, no power steering, no bucket seats... Ok, so I got carried away there on those last two...
Since you are in California, is it possible that this is a Mexico Maverick? They did some fun things there, 289's with 4 speeds, Dana 44 rear ends --- ask him if it has a rear cover like this ............. Dana 44
Or you could just let him live in his fantasy world and believe he has a 9 inch. Sometimes it's just better to let it lie, kind of like talking politics with a good friend from the other side.
i dont want you to let it die just yet. i personally would like to know if it at least has a 9". i suspect its the classic mistaking the 8" for a 9". is your friend a maverick enthusiast or are they someone who was feed a line the cars seller?
He's not a Mav/Comet guy per say...he is a motor head for sure though. He thinks he has something rare and special.. I need to grill him for more info. I'm gonna see it next week.. I want to see the VIN and look for myself. 1. Check if is it a 9" 2. What does the vin say it came with. I was thinking since it is a 77, did maybe they used a 9" because they ran short of 8s.. end of run left overs..would Ford have done such a thing?
But left over from what??? No Mav/Com used 9" gear... To think Ford would tool up and build housings just to use up some loose hogsheads laying around(esp 150) is believing in the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, etc...
Back in the day, Ford and just about every other big manufacturer would substitute parts to keep a line moving. The VIN will not help you but the data tag should give the ratio and what would really help is the data tag on the 3rd member (if it is still there). Check where it was built too. Granada 9" would have been readily available if this is indeed what happened. It would be direct bolt on - no tooling required. BTW - if it is a 9", I too think it was added to the car long after it left the factory - but hey, stranger things have happened ...........
my friend just emailed me "i can prove it yo you with the factory build sheet . they are sending me one . This is 47 OF A 133 CARS BUILT IN 1977. so maybe I have something, especially for a smog car" So I don't know who "they" are... but this should be entertaining..