9 Inch strength

[C4Bird]

I have a 9 inch ford rear that I am getting ready to set up for my bird, but I found out it has a 28 spline carrier and axles. I was going to order some axles from Strange and have the carrier rebuild locally, but can a 28 readily handle a 3200lb, 500-600whp car? I don't have this kind of power right now, but when I do I don't want to have to swap it all out. Should I go with 31?
-Nate

[Tom Welch]

It will work fine, 28 spline axles are strong enough, the real strength comes from the pinion bearings. 3 pinion bearings prevent the pinion from changing angle with respect to the ring gear. Trust me its strong.

[quadfather]

not if you put sticky tires on it .strange will not even warranty there 28 spline stuff. i would upgrade before you spend the money on axles . you could just change the spiders to go to 31 splines.

[C4Bird]

I plan on running some stickys once a month or so in the summer, sounds like 31s are what I need. Will there be any issues with early style small tube ends? Should I upgrade to larger ends?

[C4Bird]

Anybody else have experience with the 9" ford?
-Nate

[quadfather]

the small ends will work fine with the 31 spline axles . but if you have to narrow the rear end. you might as well put the big ends on , the brgs. can take take much more side load than the small ones and then you you can make sure the housing ends are lined up correctly.new ends are only $60.00.

[C4Bird]

Lining up the ends may be a good idea. The rear is already narrowed to the correct length. Looks like I'll be buying the 31s next week. Thanks for the help.
-Nate

[GUS68]

Hey guys!!! you cannot simply swap the spider gears from 28 to31 splines, the hole in the carier that the axle slides into on a 28spline is smaller and the axle wont fit, you would have to have it bored out.