is a free 9" worth it?

[SlowBuildingScott]

I've got a 9" out of a 78 4x4 pickup that I can get for free. Is it worth the cost to have it cut down and replace axels, our would I still be better off buying a junkyard 8.8? I have to get it this weekend if I want it. I can't find a tag on it, so I have no idea what gears.

[BUTCHERBOY]

What Gear, Carrier size and spline count? May or may not a cheaper. 8.8 are getting hard to find ( In my area that are cheap) less than $250 and that's cheap.

Check all those factors, and post what you find here.

Justin

BTW welcome to the site!

[SlowBuildingScott]

Thanks Justin, glad to be here. I spent a hour climbing under the truck in the mud yesterday after work. I STILL don't know what it is. It's the single rib carrier, so i assume it's nothing special. No tag (of course). Because of where it's sitting, it's no more work to pull the rear end than to pull the truck out enough to see if it's limited slip (if not I was thinking spool anyhow) or pull the carrier and see what size axel it has, so I think I'll just pull the rearend and keep it for the housing if it's single track.

[Diabolical]

Get it..
Even if you dont use it.. You could re-sell it later.
A 9" is a 9".. None of them stay stock after we are done with them anyway.

Mike

[bigfoot385]

The conventional way to ID the spline count without actually disassembling is:

28 spline has a sunken 'D' in the end

31 spline has 2 dimples in the end


__________________

http://www.s10racer.com/board/picture.php?albumid=410&pictureid=6358

[SlowBuildingScott]

That's what I was thinking Diabolical. At worse it'll be something else for my wife to fuss about sitting out back, and I do so love giving her things to talk about.

Bigfoot385, it has the 2 dimples, but I read somewhere that it can still be 28 spline sometimes.

[jdrags10]

As for narrowing. If it's a 31 spline the axles can be shortened and resplined. I have a local hookup that will narrow housing axles and respline for 175. The 9" already has features the 8.8 has to be upgraded. Like clip eliminators. And the stock center section that you described will hold quite a bit of power.

[SlowBuildingScott]

Thats what I'm looking for. I've never done more than change fluid in the rear end or swap a entire rear, so anything y'all can keep me from doing wrong the first time is greatly appreciated. I've got to go grab this thing before they scrap the truck.

[sevenseven]

that is what im using....I parted the truck and kept it....

[bigfoot385]

That's what I was thinking Diabolical. At worse it'll be something else for my wife to fuss about sitting out back, and I do so love giving her things to talk about.

Bigfoot385, it has the 2 dimples, but I read somewhere that it can still be 28 spline sometimes.


I have herd guys say that but between me and my friends we have not run into a 28 spline with the 2 holes.

[jakedog]

Free is free !!!!!!!!! go get it ! ya never can tell