QP ford 9" questions.

[DreKoushRanada]

I am looking at replacing the 1970 Cutlass 10 bolt with a Ford 9" from Quick Performance. My question is what options do I need? The engine is an Aluminum headed 496 with a hydraulic roller cam. Not sure on the HP and TQ ratings. These options seem to push the price up real quick but I'm not sure if they are needed. I might track the car once a year. Other than that it will be used for spirited driving.

[SSLance]

I'd order the Big torino ends and A20 taper style bearings over the radial style bearings they typically provide.

[DreKoushRanada]

I'd order the Big torino ends and A20 taper style bearings over the radial style bearings they typically provide.

Thanks for your input. Why the big torino style ends? I'm new to the rear end stuff.

[SSLance]

They just allow you to choose the best bearing setup. Billet or not might not be a big deal for you but size for proper bearing and axle selection is a must.

Also, with the A20 style bearing the axle seal goes outside the bearing which helps seal the axle up. The radial style bearings either don't use a seal at all or the seal goes inside the bearing if you have the correct ends on the housing. Using the A20 style works much better than the other methods.

[DreKoushRanada]

They just allow you to choose the best bearing setup. Billet or not might not be a big deal for you but size for proper bearing and axle selection is a must.

Also, with the A20 style bearing the axle seal goes outside the bearing which helps seal the axle up. The radial style bearings either don't use a seal at all or the seal goes inside the bearing if you have the correct ends on the housing. Using the A20 style works much better than the other methods.

Good info. I will grab those upgrades. I'm thinking of going with 31 spline. I appreciate the feedback.

[bmiller]

I just installed a Quick Performance 9 in my 71 El Camino over the winter, I agree with Lance on the bearings. The housing ends depends some on the brake kit you have already or plan on running, I choose big ford old style because I had those brackets from a different project already. I added the jack pad, drain and fill options for convenience. I did upgrade to the 31 spline Moser axles while I was at it.

do you have coilovers? Im running Ridetech coilovers and the lower mount bracket is different on a 10/12 bolt and a Quick Performance 9 so keep that in mind.

[TheJDMan]

Personally, I would be looking at a floating hub rear end. I would also consider the width of the axle, if you want a narrower rear end now would be the time to do it.

[DreKoushRanada]

I just installed a Quick Performance 9 in my 71 El Camino over the winter, I agree with Lance on the bearings. The housing ends depends some on the brake kit you have already or plan on running, I choose big ford old style because I had those brackets from a different project already. I added the jack pad, drain and fill options for convenience. I did upgrade to the 31 spline Moser axles while I was at it.

do you have coilovers? Im running Ridetech coilovers and the lower mount bracket is different on a 10/12 bolt and a Quick Performance 9 so keep that in mind.

I plan on running coilovers. So did you use ford coilovers or Chevy? I am open when it comes to brake choices on the rear.

[SSLance]

Yeah, I had to build my own lower coil over brackets because QP sets the LCA mounts on the axle at a different angle than stock, so none of the bolt on brackets will work properly. It's not a big deal and in fact it worked out better for me because I was able to set the lower mount much lower which helped with shock travel.

[Decline]

Personally, I would be looking at a floating hub rear end. I would also consider the width of the axle, if you want a narrower rear end now would be the time to do it.

I 2nd the floating rear hub. In my experiance the pricing almost comes out the same and theres no worry about pad knock back or leaking seals from flexing axles.
The moser circle track rear end is nice for like $900
http://www.moserengineering.com/circle-track-packages-and-parts/moser-9-full-floater-1438.html
I went with a speedway engineering floater cuz they are about an hour away. I think it came out to about $1200 with axles and seals.
http://1speedway.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=68&product_id=57
Side note: I purchased my Strange HD 3rd member with TruTrac and MOtiv 3.25 gears from Quick performance .. Excellent purchasing experience and the pattern of the valve lash was spot on.

I consider the above set up bomb proof.

[DreKoushRanada]

I need to research the floater rear end. I'm not sure what makes them different from the traditional rear end.

[Michael101]

I ordered a housing/axel package for my '67 from QP this past week. Debating on how I want the center section set up but when I figure it out QP is where I'll get it. So far their responsiveness to questions has been great and they've given me many suggested center section builds to consider.

Definitely get the drain & fill option. I went with QP 31 spline axels and billet old style ford big ends plus the tapered bearings. I'm not sure why I went billet other than the fact that they come "with sealing surface". It's only $70 more so what the he!!.

[DreKoushRanada]

I ordered a housing/axel package for my '67 from QP this past week. Debating on how I want the center section set up but when I figure it out QP is where I'll get it. So far their responsiveness to questions has been great and they've given me many suggested center section builds to consider.

Definitely get the drain & fill option. I went with QP 31 spline axels and billet old style ford big ends plus the tapered bearings. I'm not sure why I went billet other than the fact that they come "with sealing surface". It's only $70 more so what the he!!.
I plan on taking the body from the frame and figured I need to place the order on the rear end soon. How do you feel the QP axles compare to the Moser? Also can I roll the frame around on the 9 inch without the center chunk?

[SSLance]

My QP axles shipped directly from Moser...both times... ;)

[DreKoushRanada]

My QP axles shipped directly from Moser...both times... ;)

Hmm. .. Now the plot thickens! Lol

[lawrenq]

Also can I roll the frame around on the 9 inch without the center chunk?

I'm also wondering the same thing, I'm thinking about ordering a narrowed housing and axle package, but it'll be awhile before I can afford the third member, can I bolt the axles in and roll the car around.

[SSLance]

I wouldn't as the center chunk is what supports the axles. Putting weight on the axle flanges without having something to support the other ends of the axles will likely want to tweak on the bearings. You might be able to put a piece of pipe just larger than the axles inside the housing and then slide each axle into it...to help support the axles. Still wouldn't put too much weight on it or move it very far like that.

[Decline]

I plan on taking the body from the frame and figured I need to place the order on the rear end soon. How do you feel the QP axles compare to the Moser? Also can I roll the frame around on the 9 inch without the center chunk?

If it was a floater yes. The wheel is bolted to a hub which is bolted to the housing. The axle can slide in or out independently. Its literaly a thick steel rod with splined ends.
http://1speedway.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=64&product_id=95

[TheJDMan]

Here is a youtube video I found that explains what a full floating hub is vs a standard axle. In this video he is talking about off road applications but a circle track floater works on the exact same design but with lighter materials. I would add that floating hub rear ends are not new and in fact they have been used in NASCAR and most sportsman series circle track racing for over 60 years. Floating hubs are also used on every 3/4 ton, medium duty and heavy duty truck on the road today.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFu-6tckyc8

As decline mentioned above, a Moser 9" circle track floater rear complete with hubs and axles sells for around $900 which is virtually the same price as a standard 9" rear with big ford ends.

[mytmouz]

QP axles are a cut to length spliced axle. You can order Mosers as an upgrade. I have a set of each. one in a LUV truck are the standard cut to fit. The one I am having fabbed is a sheet metal 9 for my 1967 Chevelle the Moser axles are in the shop waiting on the housing to arrive...

[DreKoushRanada]

You all have been a ton of help and I thank you for that. I think I will be going with the floater rear end set up. This bad boy is about to be primed up and I want to to take it off the frame once I am done with that.