Thread: '66 T-bird rear-axle...eh...mmm...??

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Hello peepz...

I have some questions about my rear-axle.
First, I think it is a 9" (not sure, but don't remeber any other for that year t-bird)

I have two (partial) id-codes on the centerpiece: c7aw-a and MCD-"something"....the tag was worn off...
It's not limited slip (one axle turns free when the other is blocked). the axles are 28-spline (counted them!).

what ecxactly am I looking at?

I want to rebuild it with fresh bearings and maybe a limited-slip option.

does anybody have something like a manual about this?

or any tips for free around here?

thanx,greetz,
tom

Sounds like a regular 9in. Ford rear, common as belly buttons and easy to get parts for.

Well Tommie I doubt they are common in the Netherlands, but there are some sites that deal with 9" stuff. Its tuff for most guys to put these back together right because of the ring and pinion backlash. If its off u have a howling good time. Dont ask how I know.Some guys put hardened flat washers behind the pinion gears to give a little posi effect. Or there are locker units or spools. Any way u have to take the whole thing apart. Thats the easy part.

So it's not possible to take the ringgear and carrier out, switch the carrier for a posi-one (already learned I have to use a different set of bolts) and put it back in where it was?

bearings are just fine and ringgear and pinion look very clean, in excellent condition,actually...
so if i don't switch these for new ones, the general offset would be still the same right?

(what I don't know is... are the bearings an integral part of the carrier?)

All the moving parts are replaceble. Yes you could put a spool or locker carrier in and use your r and pinion, if you have a carrier that uses the same braring size. There are variations like for light duty cars-big cars-and pickups, with different size ring gears and such. If your tag was decipherable that would be the place to start. I think Torino.com has a 9" section that might be helpful.

Oh yeah, at any rate u would need to use a dial indicator to "set up" the backlash. I am fortunate to have a neighbor who does that for 50 bucks. Without the backlash set it will howl on coast or accel. or both or all the time.

without the correct backlash it will destroy itself, not just make noise.

I have been told that the pinion gear and the ring gear are made together as a set, and must stay together... so you can't just swap one ( gear ). Gotta keep them together as a set.

Also, if you want limited slip, then you have to find a limited slip and swap out the parts. There are different types of limited slip.. clutch packs, cone clutches, lockers... so decide what you want then track it down.