budget 14B or budget 9in

[CJim7]

I ran into two excellent deals in my area. Now I'm up in the air..

The first:
Ford 9" with 2 drop ins (5.11, and 4.10) 5.11 has a minispool.
63" wms to wms
5 bolt lug pattern (5 5½?)
No brake backing plates or brakes of any kind.
looks brand new
$500 for all.

The second:
14B complete drum to drum minus spring perches/shock mounts
also 63" wms to wms.
4.10 open carrier
1973 and looks it.
$100

I run 4.10 gears which is handy for either axle...if the 9 is 5 on 5½, that's a match for my front end (obviously the 14 isn't at 8 on 6½)
The 14 is bombproof....the 9 is big enough
14 is bulky.....9 is lighter with better clearance.
14 bolt need s little welding....9 inch needs complete outer
14 bolt has good, cheap aftermarket support...don't know about the 9

So lets hear it. What way would you go. Both are dirt cheap in my eyes.
There is a poll at the top of this page

 

[Posi]

Forget about running the 14 if your staying with your current 36" tires you'll be dragging that diff over every rock. Price on the 9 seems high to me even with the 2 gear sets, but sometimes it's the location.

 

[IOPort51]

I always thought that the 9" was designed and built the way that axles should be built. I always thought it odd that all axles were not built this way. The 14 is way overkill and more weight than it is worth. IMHO. I would seriously consider the 9" with a drop in.

 

[007]

Forget about running the 14 if your staying with your current 36" tires you'll be dragging that diff over every rock. Price on the 9 seems high to me even with the 2 gear sets, but sometimes it's the location.

If you have no use for the 5.11 drop-in you might be able to sell and recoup the high side of the price on the 9 and pay for your brakes with it. I think there's disc setup that fits from a Lincoln Towncar...

 

[CJim7]

The other factor I'm considering is the front. if I go with the 14b, it will be easier for me to match up the front with another 8 on 6½ bolt pattern. If I go with the 9", I'm looking at more work to get a D60 or Dana 44 front with the same bp.

or.....I've heard talk about a front 9. Although I've never seen one personally.

I DO like how the 9" is designed....strong center section, high clearance among other things.

 

[Posi]

9" front = 609 axle. Using the 9 center with 60 tubes and knuckles. You'd be way ahead just going with a 60.

For me, it would come down to the tires you want to run. If you want to run 38" or taller I'd go with the tons. You'll have to upgrade the steering links and go hydro.

If you like your 36 TSL's I'd go with the 9 and 44 front 5 lug (chevy spindle and ford hub).

 

[CJim7]

Well, both of these axles were sold within 2 days of posting...you snooze, you lose

But the input I've gotten in this thread is valuable none the less