Ford 9" axle for TJ rear questions......

[selph]

OK guys, I'm getting ready to build a 9" Ford axle for my TJ. I have access to a couple style axles. There's either the standard 9" truck axle that'll need narrowed or the Lincoln Versailles axle that is a good width but only comes with 28 spline axles. My buddy can build it however I need it, (narrow it or whatever) but I'm trying to keep the cost down to an acceptable level. 35 spline setup is too much money. I plan on running:

31 spline shafts
full spool
4.56 gears
disk brakes
redrilling to 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern

What do you guys suggest? The Lincoln or the truck axle? Any tips or write-ups? I have the Dana 35 now along with the 4.0 and automatic. I'll be running 35" tires. Thanks for any help or advice! Dave

[bart]

35 spline and 31 spline cost the same from www.sunrayengineering.com

[Timzjatl]

are you sure that the axle is from a versailles and is 28 spline? Most of the Versailles were 31 spline, disk braked, and HIGHLY desireable due to their bolt in ability to the early stangs. As for 35 splines costing the same as 31 splines, such as sunray.... Sure the shafts cost the same, but the 3rd member must be machined out for bigger bearings, and you'd need a 35 spline spool and the new bearings and spanner nuts to go with the newly bored carrier... not super cheap
Either axle would be a good one, the older 31 spline truck axles can be narrowed and the shafts narrowed and resplined, so that would be a bonus....
Tim

[Jeepincj7]

Get a big bearing Early Bronco rear end(72-77). Yes they were 28 splines, but you can get 31 spline highstrength shafts for around $300. and get a 31 spline spool. Its 60" WMS to WMS too. No need to cut it down, but you have to swap over disk brakes since they only came with drums.

Scotty