59 t-bird differential

[tommy cruise]

Hi All, I want to put a trac-lok unit in my rear. I was told they have a 28 spline, can anyone confirm that, also does anyone know if they had 2-7/8 or the lg 3-1/16 carrier bearings. I would like to order one but not going to put in until the spring. The car is put away for winter, so I am unable to pull apart to actually see what I have. Thanks for any information. Tommy"

[cdhowell]

Unless you are the original owner and know nothing has changed then no. Should be 28 spline small bearing.

[tommy cruise]

Originally Posted by cdhowell

Unless you are the original owner and know nothing has changed then no. Should be 28 spline small bearing.

Hi cdhowel, I'm not original owner so you are correct it could have been changed. I did check ratio with code and that was right on. Now it does have the 3 chamfered holes on outside of axle, I know that 67 & up that's a 31 and axle with center cut out is 28, but I have been told that it doesn't apply to before 67 and that 59 bird stock is 28. I just didn't want to pull it out of winter storage and pull axle. It all looks original but as you said over the years anything is possible. Thanks for your help Tommy"

[Dakota Boy]

I was hopeful too that I had 31-spline axles because of the markings on the outboard ends of the axles, but when I pulled them they were 28-spline items.

[tommy cruise]

Originally Posted by Dakota Boy

I was hopeful too that I had 31-spline axles because of the markings on the outboard ends of the axles, but when I pulled them they were 28-spline items.

Hi Dakota, did you also have the three chamfered holes. Does anyone know if they ever had 31 spline stock. Everyone I have spoke to said they are 28 spline and small bearing. Tommy"

[ncbird]

The Mustang guys have put up some very usefull history and info on the Ford 9in. Look up kevinstang and ultrastang 9 inch. They answer a lot of the questions about the different 9 in and how to ID them. Interesting the 1960 Bird had the big bearing rear end. The easy way to identify the bearing size is by the size of the bolts holding the axle retainer.

[Dakota Boy]

28-spline axles on my '58. Axle bearings are the larger-diameter units; 3.1496" OD (I just checked my notes). When I changed my gear ratio a couple yrs ago, I had pulled out the axles and replaced those bearings and the oil seals.

[tommy cruise]

Originally Posted by Dakota Boy

28-spline axles on my '58. Axle bearings are the larger-diameter units; 3.1496" OD (I just checked my notes). When I changed my gear ratio a couple yrs ago, I had pulled out the axles and replaced those bearings and the oil seals.

Hi Dakota, mine looks identical to pic shown, so even though you have lg outer bearing you still have 28 spline. How about your carrier bearings were they small or the lg. Thanks Tommy"

[tommy cruise]

Originally Posted by ncbird

The Mustang guys have put up some very usefull history and info on the Ford 9in. Look up kevinstang and ultrastang 9 inch. They answer a lot of the questions about the different 9 in and how to ID them. Interesting the 1960 Bird had the big bearing rear end. The easy way to identify the bearing size is by the size of the bolts holding the axle retainer.

Hi ncbird, I went through all the sites and there is no definite info on 59 t-bird, now Dakota had lg outer bearings and you would think that would be 31 spline but no he has 28 spline. I can't get a positive answer guess I'm going to have to pull it out and remove axle and count splines. Thanks for your help. Tommy"

[jopizz]

According to the Master Parts Catalog it's 28 splines. Looks like they didn't go to 31 splines until 1963-64.

John