Advice on 9" axle install

[Bvh56]

After doing some research I have come up three ways to put a 9" rear axle in my 68 f250 2wd and replace the Dana 60 with 4.10 gear. The reason I want to do this is so I can run a 3.00 or numerically lower gear and be able to drive 65 without running 3500 rpm. Let me know if Im missing something running these options. Any input on these options from you all would be appreciated. The truck is a 68 f250 with a 390 and C6. Engine is .30 over with stock cam and heads were just freshened up. Engine also has headers, dual exhaust and two barrel carb. I really don't tow with this truck or haul heavy loads. Mostly going to used as a daily driver-pick up parts truck.

Option 1. Find a 9" from 68-72 f100. Buy wheel adaptors that are 2" wide and go from 5x5.5 bolt pattern axle side to 8x6.5 rim side. This way I can use my rims and tires and also that will bring the tires out so they track inline with the fronts.

Option 2. Find a 9" from a 73-79 and find 16" steel rims with the 5x5.5 bolt pattern so I can use my tires, they are brand new. And get hub caps or center caps to cover the mis match lug pattern.

Option 3. Try and find a Dana 61 that will fit. But will only be able to go down to a 3.08 ratio.

Thanks

[Dirty Offio]

It sounds like you have been looking hard for the gears you want. Have you tried calling a ring and pinion shop directly? I would be suprised if they couldn't hook you up. Try Randy's Ring and Pinion...their number comes up with a google search.

You are going to lose load capacity switching to a 9 inch...these trucks have a Dana 60 for a reason.

just my .02 worth

Offio

[Bvh56]

It is my understanding that the lowest ratio they make for the dana 60 is 3.54. I'm not worried about the load capacity. I won't be hauling anything heavy.

[Dirty Offio]

Have you called them about it tho? Most people want lower gears, so that is what they advertise, but if you call them, I bet they can fix you up. There are 2 carriers for the axle, the lower gears take one, and the higher gears run the other. The break point is somewhere around 3:80 ish. so, if they offer a 3:54, they have the higher gear carriers. All they have to do is mix and match for the desired gear ratio. It is easy for a fully equipped shop to do.

Cheers.

[Bvh56]

Just wanted to post a follow up on this thread. I ended up getting a 9" and the two inch spacers that convert 5 lug to 8 lug. Every thing went together well and the truck drives good. I decided on running a 2.50 gear. It's no race car off the line but it will do 70mph at a comfortable 1900 rpm.

[Jamez99]

If you are installing the seals w/o a correct seal driver put some Vaseline in the area where the garter spring is to keep it from popping out from the hammer shock.
Check down in the lower corner inside the bell housing there is a welch plug in that area that can sometimes leak..clean with brake clean & silicone it shut..there is no pressure there