I found a set of 31 spline axles from a late 70's truck/bronco locally to me, they're asking $25/piece. Question is, would those axles work in my rear end or were the truck rear end housings wider than they were for the cars? I've read the bearings might be larger too so the housing diameter might be a little larger?

I understand wanting to do things inexpensively, keep looking!

Ron

Way back then the spline count was 28 for cars and light trucks, with few 31 spline bigger trucks. I guess it hasn't changed much.

You might find it easier to get a 31 spline 9", and buy new aftermarket axles if the price is right. I'd call a $125 range a decent price for an axle if they make it. Check around, if axles can be had for say near or under $300 total for both with bearings, I'd want that.

I paid a friend to build mine, I gave him one open 9" with 3.50 gears, and my blown 302 long block. I figured that was about $150 in value back then, he was happy to get the deal.

A 9" is built on a bench, most places should have reasonable prices for building one. The cost of a new differential and gears should be the biggest cost, not the build labor. I'm going to get a 31 spline True Trac and 3.50 gears for one, I expect the parts cost to be a little over $1k or so, with axles. I haven't checked on the cost of building one here yet.

There's a seller (builder) on Ebay, Nininch something is his name, who runs about the best deal. My 8" for my 67 Mustang is built by him. One of those third members will run about $925 shipped. It will probably cost you about $1200 to have one built locally. That was my preferred option but the transmission shop said the $925 piece was a much better deal. That was to rebuild my current open 8", so the parts alone would have been spendy.

Yeah, labor costs have sky rocketed. I recall when I saw a bumper chromed for about $1000, I remember when it was under $150.

Our hobbies have gotten to be big business, PS; I've been selling my old comic books.