9" to 9 1/2" third member changes?

Hi guys.

I'm considering updating my current axle to a 9 1/2" third member, but I wanted to ask what changes I would need to make internally (if any?) so my current axle case can accept the new third member.

Is the case the same size with the same bolt pattern (where the member bolts into the front of the axle casing)? What other bits would I need to look at having to change to do it.

Thanks a lot.
Joe

 

Third Member

I've done this before, 9" to 9.5" then up to 10" gears. All you need to do is grind a little out of the face of the housing at the top and bottom so the crownwheel can pass through into the housing. With the 10" gears I have to walk the centre in on the crownwheel teeth but once it's in it all works fine

 

So from the sounds of it, the only thing that will need slight alteration is where the third members bolts into the front of the casing itself? I assume by this that both 9" and 9 1/2" gearsets use the same style case?

Doesn't sound very much work at all, and could be a worthy investment. Just hope the internals of my case are big enough to accept the extra 1/2" of gear size.

Anyone else done this conversion?

Thanks for replying Murray, appreciate you taking the time out to reply to this

 

You will need to grind some clearance into the case itself but its not a big deal. I'm using billet cases now and gear life is exceptional

 

9 to 9 1/2 Gear

I did it on my car, went from 9" to the 9 1/2". All I had to do was test fit the center section, mark the lower lip of the housing where the ring gear lines up and then grind it out some. I used a high speed grinder and a steel type grinding bit. Dont forget to shove some rags in the axle tubes, at the center to keep shavings out of the axle tubes. No problem!

 

Okay great, sounds like alot of people have had experience with this and it looks straight forward swap.

Thanks for the advice guys. Danny Miller at Rear Gears is sorting me out with the update. Really nice chap, been extremely helpful.

 

Is a 9.5" that much stronger than a 9" and what would have to be done to use the bigger gear in a Strange Toploader?