Shortening a 9"

[mrtleavitt]

Is shortening a axle housing something that can be done by simply cutting out an few inches and then welding it back together or is it more difficult than that? I'm thinking of doing it but don't know if that's something that a professional needs to do with proper equipment.

[fordman]

to get the tubes straight i think you would have to get it lined up properly.

[cep62]

The pros use a jig to make sure everything is squared up.

depending on what you're after a '66-77 Bronco axle is 4-5 inches narrower than a full size rear.

[Caseys71]

, But you could use a length of pipe w/ the same o.d. as the i.d. of the axle tube to line it up and make sure it's true, then again not sure how you could do that and not weld to the pipe though unless it was aluminum pipe since you're welding on steel or you found a way to keep it from arcing. It would probably be better for a pro to do it but you could probably do it yourself as well, however the pros are more experienced and have a few axle-narrowings (if that's even a word ) under their belt so they could probably do it more efficiently/effectively as well. Also I'm sure you know that you'd also have to get shortened axles as well. Good luck! Also out of curiosity what are you narrowing the axle for? Correcting the dog-tracking on your bump, a drag-car maybe? Just curious .

[mrtleavitt]

I have an extra housing from my '69 F100 after I completed the '74 chassis swap and I just bought a '67 mustang coupe. It has some kind of a 4 lug rear end on it . That pipe thing is a good idea. I will have to start seaching for the correct size pipe. I bet you could tack weld the tubes together then slide the pipe out and complete the weld. I don't know but I will have to think about it. My front and rear suspension kit isn't here yet so I probably have a month or so, but I just want to know my options.

[cep62]

If it's for a Mustang , look for a Lincoln Versailles (Lincoln's version of a Granada)
They have a 9" with disc brakes and they're the right width for a Mustang
and they have the car bolt pattern.

[mrtleavitt]

Thanks, I am keeping my eye out here but any kind of car with a 9" is hard to come by. The ford trucks are every where so hopefully I will come a cross a granada or versailles.

[DDfab]

I have a jig. You use and empty third member and clamp rings I'm place of bearings. Alignment bar slides through it and has pucks for the end to hold the housing ends in line with the bearings

[convincor]

you'd cut the old ends off and replace. should be set up in a fixture to keep strait and flanges aligned.
Why screw around doing yourself when Currie does it for $139 labor and another $49 for new ends.
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestor ... px?id=2323
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestor ... px?id=1907

Then you still need to cut and respline the axles. another $119
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestor ... px?id=2327