the best part of that assembly might be the housing. you'll have to check but i think some of those '57, '58, etc were some of the narrowest ever made which is what you'll need for the maverick. it might even bolt up, that is the spring perches are in the right spot. narrowing a housing, if done right with the correct jigs can be expensive. your probably gonna have to buy a new 3rd member anyway but they're easy to find compared to the correct width housing.frankhttp://www.kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htmhttp://www.fordification.com/bumpwiki/index.php?title=Rear_Axle_Assembly_Identification_-_Ford_Products</p>don't know why this thing won't let me post links. sorry
Like I mentioned in the other post, The Powertrax Lock-right is the cheapest locker you can use. The best part? It fits the 8 and 9 Inch rear ends. As long as the splines are the same count you put the Lock-Right in the 8 for now with no special tools, then later you can get the 9" rebuilt with new bearing and gears and drop the Lock-Right into it instead, no wasted money. The one I have in my truck has held up real well. I have a 390, 4 barrel, mild cam, and a 4 speed through 3.50 rear gears. I used to regularly take it to the track for fun and the locker has held up to the torque and the heavy truck.
DETROIT LOCKER! Lol kidding, the Powertrax seems like a good unit.. Buddy of mine says he has one in his truck and it's held up through a bunch of burnouts and idiot maneuvers so far.
Just bought a brand new 8' traction lok and 3:80 ring and pinion for about $600.00......Plus, i think i read somewhere that the 8" is about 70 lbs. lighter than a 9"
It is lighter, but its also weaker. 300TQ and theyll break with slicks. Automatics are more forgiving and theyll handle a bit more. I think for his 400HP engine its smart to upgrade to the 9".
Why be ashamed? I have a hard time telling them apart sometimes. this link might help. Scroll down a ways and you'll find how to spot a posi. http://www.kevinstang.com/Ninecase.htm Oh if you want the spool effect and still be street-able I would reccomend the Detroit Locker. And the 9" rear. It can be a bit rough until you get used to taking corners the right way. What I mean is i have gotten so practiced at driving with it even my passengers don't notice it. When I first put it in however I had to learn what it likes and what makes it chirp the inside tire Still even when it misbehaves it's more fun than any other differential in my opinion. Of course I like the On/Off switch nature of the Detroit
that's one thing i don't understand. everybody seems to not like the idea of a mini spool or spool on the street but will use a detroit locker. from what i understand from what i've read and been told mostly by off road guys but no personal experience, detroit lockers don't unlock in corners unless you are off the gas or barely on the gas. i've even heard that the clutch should be in to make sure it unlocks because engine braking can lock it up to. so to me it seems they are usually locked in spirited driving, and makes them very unpredictable. i don't see how they are any easier on axles than a mini spool or spool. is this right or am i seriously misguided?
Not corners necessarily. Sharp turns at low speed is usually where inexperienced Detroit Locker owners have trouble. Like going into or out of a driveway or from a parking lot onto a road. If you apply too much torque it locks up and might cause your car to lurch and or make a loud bang that makes the occasional bystander think you broke something Freeway on ramps and sweeping turns are no problem on or off the power. They aint for everybody for sure. But they are dead reliable and don't have little clutches to wear out. If I had to choose another type I would choose the Torsen differential.