Rear axle question

[guts3d]

Hello, all! Thanks for having me on your Forum. I have a question, I own a 1968 F100 Ranger. It has a 351 Windsor V8 motor with a C4 transmission. My rear end went bad, and I have to get it replaced. My question is, will I be able to use a rear end assembly from a newer truck, say a 1978 F100? If so, will it need to be modified or will it bolt in? It is not 4 wheel drive.

[HIO Silver]

It is not a direct swap.....

Bumps have a narrower rear frame width and therefore the leaf spring pads on the 78 axle are located more outboard.

It'll work if ya get them cut off and relocated/rewelded to match your frame width.

[guts3d]

Thanks for the info. One question, what do you mean by "bump"?

[TNIceWolf]

A bumpside or bump is a 67-72 year of ford truck. A dentside or dent as they are called here is 73-79. The difference in the designation is the either convex or concave shape of the style line on the body. Many of the parts for both types are interchangeable but not all without some work. So it sort of helps to know just which critter you are trying to tame.

[sargentrs]

When you say "my rear end went bad" are you just referring to the 3rd member/center section? If so, these guys have quality center sections available for the 9" for under $500 with your choice of gear ratios. http://www.quickperformance.com/Ford-9- ... _p_36.html You can't hardly rebuild your own for much less than that. I bought an 8" from them for my '64 Fairlane and is was a quality rebuild that bolted right in with no issues.

[Subzero]

All F100 rear ends should work with bumpsides, I had to replace mine in my old 1968 F100 with a 1972 9 in. Couldn't get it to stop leaking from the axle seals even after numerous replacements- the 1972 one sealed up and stayed that way. Earlier 9in have different smaller rear brakes but I think they will also fit with small modifications but more brake is better.