For those that have put a 9" under their Comet or Maverick I'm looking for some advise. I bought a Currie 9" for my Sprint. It has 3" axle tubes. The lower spring plate is only set up for 2 3/4". I found that the equivalent spring plates for a 9" (from a Mustang or Torino type) are next to impossible to find. If I just egg out the plate to accept the bigger U bolts there is almost no metal left on the outside edge, plus the nut under the shock mount looks like it wouldn't work anyway. Also, if the bigger U bolts are larger diameter then the stock ones, this would complicate things even more. What have you guys done to mount yours? I was thinking of splitting the plate down the center (axle line) and weld in a 1/4 square stock spacer to open up the distance between the holes. If the U bolts are bigger diameter than I would have to go a little more depending on the diameter of them. I haven't bought U bolts yet cause I'm not sure how long I need them. I bought new 4 leaf's and I'm sure I'll need a drop kit. Anyone had experience with these? Thanks
My first thought would be to fabricate a new lower spring plate. Believing that splitting the current plate and then stretching it would probably affect the temper of the metal? This is something that really needs it's temper. Okay,,,, I have thought for the day,, I am now worn out. See ya dude!!!!!!!! Dan ps wonder if I am even close to being right?
When I installed my Currie 9" I installed a set of Southside Machine lift bars (kinda like traction bars). They bolt in where the spring plate would but are already drilled to accept 9" u-bolts. They even have the place to mount the shock. Plus they really help with weight transfer and launch. They were about $120 from summit. Then you can buy the u-bolts needed at Autozone.
I'm going with the Southside bars but just for the record, where? I contacted a dozen Mustang places, half of them deal in used parts, also, Currie and a few other fabricators that deal in 9" rears and got the same answer from all of them, "good luck"
How about the plates from the Lincoln Versallies. They should have the correct holes and spacing but you may have to provide for shock mounting alterations.
My 9".... I just installed a 9" in my Comet...It was originall in a Lincoln Versailles but someone had cut the perches off....This is the Heavy Duty style 9" that has Flared axle tubes.....Since I am running Cal-Traks it was not that hard to make the U bolts work....the caltraks have elongated holes....I would suggest using Cal traks insead of the Southside bars....you must remember that the Southside bars are old technology and if you are putting alot of power to the ground you will be much happier with the Cal trak bars....They are completely adjustable..
I just have a question about putting in a 9". Are there any rear ends out there new or used (preferably used), that don't have to be cut or modified for a Maverick? Email Me and let me know, or just reply here PLEASE!!!
Cal-Traks I have searched Summit, Jegs, and PAW web sights for Cal-Traks. PLus did a general search for Cal-Traks. I have yet to find anything about them. Where do you get them?
Millz..........The rear you need is from a 77 to 80 Lincoln Versallies. It will be a near bolt in swap with some details that need some small changes. This rear has disc brakes so needs to be properly integrated into your brake system. You should change the front to disc to compliment the rear. This requires a disc brake proportioing valve and some work to get the front to rear bias correct so the rear doesnot lock up or not do it's share of the braking. You will need some help in this project so have patience for learning as you go. You are in effect re-engineering a system and it has to be near correct in operation. Go to another website to see info on this conversion. www.maverickgrabber.com. Click on technical and on 9" swap. Charlie can answer your questions. Good luck.
Thanks for the link. But at $320 plus shipping across country, I think I'll stick with the old technology and go with the $120 Southside bars. I will be at Ford Carlisle on Thursday and stay thru Sunday. Sadly to say, the Sprint will not. See you there!!
I agree the Cal Traks are a bit pricy but you could actually make a set of them for about half the cost.... The southside bars will help with traction issues. Honestly though, you probably don't need the Cal-Traks unless you are putting some serious power to the ground. They were developed for a Big Block class that only allows a 10" wide DOT approved tire. Necessity is the mother of invention, or something like that. I use to run the $20 Lakewood "slapper" bars until I put the 347 in and actually the slapper bars would probably handle the 347 but not with a 200 shot of nitrous on top of it!!! I have actually considered making a set of Cal Traks.....hmmmmm....now that's a thought.....
I've spent money on most of the other traction devices out there. I still can't seem to hook as well as I should. I've got a set of Cal-Tracs in the box, waiting to be installed with my subframe connectors. I'll let you know how it turns out. They are quite pricey, but I have yet to talk to someone that uses them that thinks they spent too much. BTW, it's Cal-Tracs not Cal-Traks.
