I am having the hardest time finding a narrow 9" rear end for my Pinto. Can anyone help? I would prefer to keep the gear ratio close to 3.0:1. I still have the original rear axle made for the 4 cylinder and I'm worried that someday the 302 will rip it out from underneath the car. So, if anyone out there has one or know of someone out there with one, could you let me know. Thanks.

A few things to think about:

Ford never made a 9" rear that will direct-bolt into a Pinto (exact width, lug patteren, correct perches). This means that it will need to be modified in some way, by you or someone else, and can that cost big money. IF you can find one that is 'bolt in ready', expect to PAY. Ford installed 8" rears in much heaver 'V8' cars than a Pinto and they are very durable. There was no designation of a '4 banger rear' in a Pinto, they could have come with either for all engines. You can get the very durable 8" for a fraction of what a 9" would typicly sell for. There are lots of people out there that will sell you a 9" when in reality it's an 8".

IMHO: If you are planning a Trac-Loc, wide+sticky racing tires, and having over 400HP, go for the 9", other than that the 8" should be fine.


Bill

As for 9 inches not swapping .... I dont know..
Alot of people use the maverick rear ends in their cars and claim a dirrect swap.Not a dirrect bolt in with all the pinto hardware....

To the best of my knowledge: Mavericks, even the grabbers, did not come with 9" rears. The early had either a 6.75" with 4 lugs, or an 8" with the 5 lug; all the later ones were 8".

Bill