Menu

Shop

Garage

Cart

Account

Products to Compare (max of 3)
X
Compare These Parts

8 Inch to 9 Inch Upgrade

9/15/2016
Add Article To List

In this Tech Tip, John responds to a customer looking to upgrade the 8” stock differential in his Cougar to a 9” open diff.

8 Inch to 9 Inch Upgrade

“Here’s my dilemma..... I have a 1968 Mercury Cougar with an 8 inch stock differential. I found a 9 inch from a 1968 Cougar GT 390 car with open diff, and 28 spline axles (which should fit perfectly under car with minor  mods if any). I have a limited slip 31 spline carrier of which I’m going to replace 3.00 gears with hopefully your “RICHMOND” 3.55’S that you have for $165 new....but dilemma is finding exact fit 31 spline axles. 1967-1970 Mustang axles should be correct application for me. I’m not going to exceed 350 horses on motor, so I don’t need Currie, Strange or Moser unless I can get them at a great deal from you guys??? I’ll need to get info and pricing in advance (hopefully FREE SHIPPING on all) so I can buy a Visa card to load with “EXACT” amount so the REAL BOSS of the house (alias the wife) doesn’t see it on our credit card (hint, hint…). So, if you can help a guy building a car with champagne taste on a beer budget, I’d appreciate it immensely”

  • Stan

Hi Stan, You inquired about axles for your 9” housing and there are a couple of things to keep in mind. All housings do not take the same outer bearing and seal configuration.  If it is the new style with the big bearing ends then our “Cut-to-Fit” axles such as P/N 91045127 in short and long should solve your needs.  If it is an older style with the small bearings then we apologize may not be able to help.  You can check this out and then if correct order the axles and the gear set along with a new gasket and lube.

  • John W.

Products Featured in this Article

Related Articles

Simple Guide to Improve the Handling of Your Vehicle
by Darrian Wedding - Posted in Tech
1/12/2018
Darrian gives a step-by-step guide on replacing worn steering components to improve the handling of your vehicle.
Understanding Shelby/Arning Drop Changes
by Darrian Wedding - Posted in Tech
12/6/2017
Darrian explains the process of Shelby/Arning drop changes and how that affects your car.
Boxing Stamped Steel Control Arms
by Darrian Wedding - Posted in Tech
12/1/2017
Learn how to fabricate stamped steel boxed control A arms . This process increases the rigidity of control arms while also reducing flex for peak performance.
How to Build a DIY 3 link Suspension
by Speedway Tech Team - Posted in Tech
12/6/2016
Learn how to build your own 3 Link Suspension. Our expert goes over his process for building a custom adjustable 3-link rear suspension for his 1967 Cougar.
6.0 LS Build Combinations: Recipes for 500-1,000 HP
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
1/8/2026
Making great horsepower on a budget is the LS engine family’s claim to fame, but just like any other engine, the more power you ask of it the more you’ll need to spend.
Sway Bars & Anti-Roll Bars | How They Work and Which One You Need
by Jeff Huneycutt - Posted in Tech
12/29/2025
What is a sway bar and what does it do? Understand how sway bars reduce body roll, improve cornering, and what's best for your car or truck
Chevy 2 Bolt vs 4 Bolt Main | Years, How to ID & Is It Worth It?
by Jeff Huneycutt - Posted in Tech
12/23/2025
Learn the differences between Chevy 2-bolt and 4-bolt main blocks, how to ID them, key years, and whether a 4-bolt is worth it for your build
Ford 8.8 Rear End ID Guide | Widths, Codes & 8.8 vs 9"
by Jefferson Bryant - Posted in Tech
11/18/2025
Learn how to ID a Ford 8.8 rear end by tag, width, and code. Compare 8.8 vs 9-inch axles, decode gear ratios, and find which Ford models used them.
How to Manual Swap a C10 Truck | 1967-1972 C10 Tremec Install
by Joe McCollough - Posted in Tech
9/5/2025
Old trucks are just meant to have manual transmissions. They're made even better with a modern overdrive like a Tremec TKX. Watch our C10 manual transmission conversion on an LS-swapped '68 to see just how easy it is to row your own gears,
Drag Racing Calculator | 1/4 Mile & 1/8 Mile ET, MPH, and Horsepower
by Jason Orth - Posted in Tech
9/4/2025
Estimate horsepower, trap speed, and ET with our drag performance calculator. Use it as a 1/4 mile time estimator or 1/8 mile ET to mph calculator.