Ford 9" questions...

['99 EB Explorer]

So to start things off, I'm looking into saving up for the Dixon Bro's Racing long travel coilover swap for my Explorer.

http://www.dixonbrosracing.com/content/view/8/6/


It says it makes the truck 4.5" wider per side.

Based on my measurements, I'd have to find a rear axle that measures 68.5" in order to match up to the front.

I've found that a '72 Ford Van 3/4 ton has a Ford 9" that's 68" wide.

My big problem with that, however, is that I JUST bought my rims that are 5x4.5 bolt pattern and that's the way I want to stay.


Is there a way I could get this axle to work with my stock bolt pattern? Or, is there another axle available that I haven't noticed that would work with this?

Thanks for the help in advance.




EDIT: sorry, I just noticed that I posted this in the wrong area....

 

[Mac]

That '72' van is the only one I have found. Have a machine shop redrill the axles? I don't even know what the bolt pattern is on them but being a 3/4 ton would imagine the larger one.
Dave

 

[Mutant Pony]

Yeah, have the axles redrilled, you won't find factory 4.5, 9" axles that wide.

 

['99 EB Explorer]

That '72' van is the only one I have found. Have a machine shop redrill the axles? I don't even know what the bolt pattern is on them but being a 3/4 ton would imagine the larger one.
Dave

Being that old...I was thinking they'd be 5x5". But I'm probably wrong. I'd have to see one in person.


Drilling wouldn't hurt the structural integrity of the wheel mount?

 

[strvger]

i'm thinking they are 5x5.5. back then, jeep, ford, international, and dodge shared the same bolt patterns on most of their trucks and 4x4's.

 

[Mutant Pony]

Yes, they are 5x5.5. No, redrilling won't weaken them in any way.