1976 F100 Rear Axle Help

[aprosody]

1976 F100 Ranger 360 3spd manual
Trans Code: C
Axle Code: 12J
2 Piece driveshaft


I recently purchased this beautiful truck and was told that the clutch was going bad, no big deal. After purchasing, I drove it around the neighborhood a couple times, did notice what seemed like a slipping clutch a few times, but also noticed some shuddering one time from a stop. After getting everything legal to actually drive, I decided to do an experiment today and drive the 3 miles to work.

2.5 miles in - a really loud BANG after hitting a small bump at 25MPH or so, and the accelerator pedal doesn't do anything but rev the engine. I get pulled into a parking lot and start trying to figure out what is going on. I eventually noticed that the left rear wheel is sticking out about 4 inches further that the passenger side, look underneath and notice that the wheel is still bolted to the drum, but not where it is supposed to be.

Looks like the axle shaft has broken loose, I had it towed back home and the wife picked me up to get me to work where I am now. I have not been able to get under the truck to actually look at the axle tag to see what it is, but I am hoping the codes at the top can help get me some advice.

Any advice on what the problem may be, what rear end I actually have, and what my repair/replacement options may be?

Thank you in advance for your help

[ultraranger]

The "12" is the code for the ratio. The "J" is the axle load rating.

If the the stock rear end is still under your truck, it should be a 9-inch rear end.

The 12-code could be one of two ratios for that year model; a 3.00:1 ratio or more likely a 3.70:1 ratio.

If the rear is stock and no one has removed the tag from the 3rd member, you should find the ratio tag affixed to one of the (10) studs that holds the 3rd member to the rear end housing.

[elgemcdlf]

If a 9" You need to replace the axle bearing on the left axle (might as well do both sides) as long as the axle is not bent. If so then you will need to replace the axle. The 9" has the center section that bolts in from the front. There is no removable cover on the rear of it.

[aprosody]

It is a Ford 9", haven't snooped around yet to find out the actual ratio.



I finally had 30 mins of free time to go look at it. After jacking it up, I was able to pull the wheel off entirely with the shaft still connected. The backing plate that holds the bearing in place is broken, and the bearing itself is no longer pressed onto the shaft. I don't know if it was installed incorrectly, or if driving it around is what pulled the bearing off. I'm going to head back out in a few minutes to take a couple pictures and post them up. It does look like the end of the axle tube is deformed, so this makes me think something was wrong before it all broke loose.

Be back with pictures shortly.

[aprosody]

Here are the pictures.
The last one has the pieces that came out with the shaft when I pulled it out.