Switching from C-clip elims to Ford ends

[tminer]

If I went with Mosier 30 spline setup and c-clip eliminators for now and wanted to go to weld-on ford (or other) ends later, could I still do it and keep the same geometry?

Would I need new axle tubes or anything else besides the ends and new bearings?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[azgn]

uuummmm, you'd need new axles (axle length is different on Furd)


save some grief and buy the kit in the first place

 

[tminer]

Different axle lengths? Does that mean that with the Ford ends I'll need different wheel offsets if current tires are close to frame and/or fenders?

I always ASSumed that axles would be the same length as stock with either C-clip elims or weld on ends.

Tom

 

[azgn]

well, the overall length ends up the same as stock.....but the Ford axles are a different length (as I understand it)......this is compensated for by cutting the axle tubes and welding on the ends

at one time I was just gonna do axles and the ends later....was told I'd end up buying two sets of axles

 

[Silver 6]

They use different bearings, pressed on the axle or pressed into the axle housing. So.........two different axles. The length should remain the same unless you want it different for some reason like a change of suspension.

 

[325DR]

So if I buy the Ford ends for my 8.5" rear end, which axles do I have to order? 9" Ford axles?

 

[S10xGN]

You'd probably do best to contact Moser, Currie, or one of the other axle specialists. You'll need new (Ford) backing plates and brakes too, plus needing the axles and drums (or disk hats) redrilled to the GM pattern.

 

[Silver 6]

When you contact one of the vendors, don't be surprised to find they have the axles and parts to be compatable with your other GM parts. Changing the bearing retention does not need to mean everything else.

Do a bit of the thought process prior to calling and think about what you would like for brakes. They will be able to discuss options with you. Bolt patterns will be whatever you need when you get new axles.

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

if you have a transbrake, then get some rear disc brakes and set it up that way.

http://www.gearsareus.com/

BW

 

[Nick Micale]

Originally posted by tminer
If I went with Mosier 30 spline setup and c-clip eliminators for now and wanted to go to weld-on ford (or other) ends later, could I still do it and keep the same geometry?

Would I need new axle tubes or anything else besides the ends and new bearings? Thanks, Tom

To answer your original question, if still wanting to know, it is a all or nothing project. Weld on ends require special axles w/pressed on bearings, different backing plates, all different brake parts and hardware.

For brakes you can use early GM A body stuff like Camero, Ford drum brakes or a disk set up. A complete parts package or finished rear can be had from companies like Moser, Currie or others.

 

[GNVAIR]

People get confused. They think that because you install a Ford 9" style end that you are stuck with Ford brakes but that is the beauty of the new ends offered by Moser and Mark Williams.
You can get the ends that accept the pressed on style Ford bearings with the GM 4 bolt style flange so that you can use the rear drum brakes from any 64-77 A body, 67-81 A body and other popular GM cars.
Best bet is to call Moser or Mark Williams and buy the ends, bearings and axles at the same time from the same place.
As an FYI, Mark Williams is IMHO among the best on the market but their prices are a lot higher.

 

[Trbobuick]

Why run drum brake when ford motor sports offers a cheap rear kit for 350.00 ? 11 rear disks that fit under 15" wheels.

 

[John Wilde]

that is cool, which kit is that?

 

[WHITE T]

All the major rear end suppliers as stated above offer 3.150 bearings with chevy bolt patterns. These are just like the early a-body (GTO) with a 3.150 bearing instead of the smaller GM styles. This is done to retain all GM brakes.

This is a very common upgrade nowadays, all above companies offer it.

HTH

 

[GNVAIR]

Originally posted by Trbobuick
Why run drum brake when ford motor sports offers a cheap rear kit for 350.00 ? 11 rear disks that fit under 15" wheels.

You can buy 93-94 F body 12" PBR rear disc brake set ups cheaper than that now and they bolt on using all GM hardware and have the same bolt pattern. The 96-up S10 Blazers also have a nice rear disc set up that works. No more using Ford stuff

 

[GNVAIR]

Originally posted by WHITE T
All the major rear end suppliers as stated above offer 3.150 bearings with chevy bolt patterns. These are just like the early a-body (GTO) with a 3.150 bearing instead of the smaller GM styles. This is done to retain all GM brakes.

This is a very common upgrade nowadays, all above companies offer it.

HTH

Rick, remember that the early BOP A bodies with the pressed on bearings used a tapered bearing similar to what would find on front wheel bearings. The flange is the same pattern, but the Moser/Mark Williams kits use the Ford 9" roller style bearings.

 

[Dwayne]

I've done this

I had the FORD ends welded on my 10 bolt. The axle lengh is determined by how wide you want the rearend. I kept mine the stock width. I told MOSER that and they supplied the correct 33 spline axles. I also used a FORD drum brake kit that bolted directly to the rearend. The brake line tubing only had to be hand bent a couple of degrees to bolt to the FORD brake cylinder. BTW, the FORD brake shoes are a helluva lot bigger than the GM set-up. In the past I used 2 sets of shoes so I could use the 2 longer ones to get more surface area contact patch. Before I installed the t-brake, with the FORD brakes, I could hold 20 plus lbs with no problem, it was like being tied to a tree. If I remember right, the drum kit was like 65$ a side and that included everything already assembled, backing plates, drums, cylinders and shoes. I've got almost 1,000$ in the hole set-up, brakes, 33 spline axles, 33 spline spool, FORD ends, all new bearings and the labor to have the welding done.........if you go this route, be sure to use a welder that has the correct jig to set the rearend up with.......good luck

 

[ijames]

I've bought all the parts to go with the Ford ends, just have to pull the rear and get it done. I saw the ends to go with A body brakes but I wanted bigger drum brakes (already have the 12" front brakes and don't see a trans brake in my future ), and Moser and several others sell the Ford 11" drum brake kits for $300, ready to install. Backing plates, loaded with wheel cylinders, springs, shoes, and drums drilled to the lug pattern of your choice. If I ever need new drums I can order them from Moser or just drill a set myself. I didn't find anyone who sold a GM kit like that, and I didn't feel like tracking down all the bits myself.

 

[WHITE T]

Hey GNVAIR,

I mentioned that because many don't realize that GM ever did a bearing on axle set up. All the GM 3.150's are based of a Ford style (that I have seen, just with a Chevy bolt pattern), plus Chevy never went that big (that I know of). I think the biggest Chevy bearing on axle was a 2.750.

Ijames, I think that is a good idea to keep the Ford drums if you are going to keep drums. At that point you can keep it as a 9" all the way through (with a true new style big (Torino) bearing) and standard Ford drums. Then just get the axles with standard Chevy 5 on 4.75" bolt circle.

I think many that plan to do it do the things that GNVAIR mentioned because it is easy to convert to a nice rear disc set up.

Either way the bearing on axle is the way to go!

HTH