Path of Least Resistance - How can I float & which brakes should I use?

[Ns RS]

Greetings,

I am interested in building a floating rear end with parking brake capability - it will be a Ford 9" for a quad linked 69. I know Baer introduced a conversion kit at SEMA, Wilwood brakes with bracket modifications work but details are difficult to find regarding the amount of work/$$ to be done on a conversion from a ford 9".

Simply want the floating version of a 9" rear with parking brake & flange to flange measurement of 54.75".

Planning on using big brakes. 2 piece 14" rotors all around etc for continuity sakes, brake manufacturer to be determined later depending on which ones are easiest to make work. Will be running 18" Forgelines.

I would much rather build it floater now than convert it later - what is the path of least resistance for me to do this?

Intended use is street cruising some road racing, touring, autocross to get the feet wet. I would rather overbuild now with a floater in case i go hard and meet knock back in the future - thanks

[Ron in SoCal]

Man you're gonna get answers all over the board. Your choices are -

GMR - Can be done w 35 spline axles. What motor are you running?
Chicane's kit - I like this but am waiting for more info.
9inchfloater.com - has some less expensive set ups
Speedway - http://www.1speedway.com/Floater_Rear_Ends.htm
Wilwood floating caliper
Baer - I have not heard good nor bad about this kit. If it's all good it's a pretty good solution.
And more...

It's all a matter of choice. Circle track guys live w 28 splie axles all the time.

Your rear end @ 54.75 should be fine for a floater conversion, unless your link brakcets were welded to far outboard.

I think you should look at all the options, pick your brake vendor, see if there's a solution you can live with for those brakes and take your time making a decision. I'd talk to all the vendors before making a choice so you can be as well informed as possible.

Other things to think about, where are you at in your build? If you've got a lot left to do, you can put the whole floater/brake decision off while you do research and let others lead the way on this developing topic. Also, don't forget to ask about maintenance - What is the impact of the vendor solution you choose (i.e. possible leaks, grease, reapir or replacement schedule)?? How long has the vendor been in business and can their wear items be sourced elsewhere? Is cost a factor? Some of these are more $$$ than others. Finally, do you NEED a floater? There are guys that have solved the problem without one. I had a long conversation w J Parsons and AME Matt about this and they solved it the old fashioned way: figured out what was wrong and fixed it. So you know it can be done...:thumbsup:

[TheJDMan]

Moser also sells circle track 9" floating rear ends for $879 and you specify the width. I'm currently putting the finishing touches on my 9" floater installation. The biggest hurdle has been the brakes. Specifically the brake adaptor. The issue is that floaters are typically used by circle track racers which are limited to 15" wheels and as a result most manufactures only sell 12" brake setups but they don't sell parts to install 13" or 14" brakes. All the parts can be made but it takes time. The GMR floater kit accepts 13" or 14" rotors but it sells for nearly $3000 which is way more than a machine shop will charge to machine the adaptors. I'm installing 13" brakes on the rear but I had to fabricate the weld on caliper mounts and redrill my rotor adaptors to mount 13" rotor. Park brakes are not a big issue as Speedway Motors sells a $299 pinion mount brake kit specifically for the 9".

http://www.moserengineering.com/circle-track-packages-and-parts/moser-9-full-floater-9.html

[Ns RS]

Ron & JD thanks for the input, I’ve found incorporating the brakes into the floating unit & amount of custom work necessary to do so has been my hurdle as well.

No clear cut/easy way to accomplish it as there are many answers to knockback available but perhaps a bit of waiting will show which solution will be most bulletproof.

My goal always has been to build the most solid foundation and I feel the dse front subframe, connectors, quad link with rear sway etc is a good start.

I’ll just have to upgrade my soon to be built 3.55 gear Ford 9”, Truetrac 31 spline rear later, if and when my driving ever catches up to the capability of these parts.

[Musclerodz]

Ron & JD thanks for the input, I’ve found incorporating the brakes into the floating unit & amount of custom work necessary to do so has been my hurdle as well.

No clear cut/easy way to accomplish it as there are many answers to knockback available but perhaps a bit of waiting will show which solution will be most bulletproof.

My goal always has been to build the most solid foundation and I feel the dse front subframe, connectors, quad link with rear sway etc is a good start.

I’ll just have to upgrade my soon to be built 3.55 gear Ford 9”, Truetrac 31 spline rear later, if and when my driving ever catches up to the capability of these parts.DSE is close to releasing their quadralink with baer floater option. they will be building one for us as soon as they have finished proofing it. we also have an extra floater kit in stock as well. give me a call before you order up the dse stuff

[TheJDMan]

disregard.