Strange 12 bolt
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2011
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Strange 12 bolt Hey all. 2001 T/A, A4. Currently, she is at a speed shop waiting for some parts and a follow up tune. Is the Strange 12 bolt still one of the better ways to go for the rear ends of these cars? I'm about to hit in the 350-375 WHP range, and while I realize that the 12 bolt is way over kill for that, I want something that I don't have to worry about as I add more power (and I will be adding more power). I don't want to have to do this 2 times, and honestly, I'm OK with overkill to an extent. I won't be buying it for a bit, but I'd like to start getting my ducks in a row now. Thanks!
The 12-Bolt is the worse choice for these vehicles right along with the 8.8 conversion for other reasons but they share similar parts. Many retailers quit offering them many years ago because they are prone to gear noise over time. The best bang for the buck is the Strange S60.
Check out some Strange S60 options here. Click Here
Check out some Strange S60 options here. Click Here
12 bolts used to be popular when it was less expensive than Ford 9". Now with the popularity of the 9" and S60 options, I'm not sure 12 bolt still make sense unless you can find a good used unit. There are a lot more brake options for the Ford axle too (if you get the right bolt pattern and offset).
I have a 20 year old Strange 12 bolt that's been a good unit. I'd probably go with Ford 9" if I did it all over again today. Been too much a hassle finding really good brakes that fit, and I would have more fun trying different gears if I had a 9".
I have a 20 year old Strange 12 bolt that's been a good unit. I'd probably go with Ford 9" if I did it all over again today. Been too much a hassle finding really good brakes that fit, and I would have more fun trying different gears if I had a 9".
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 7
The 12-Bolt is the worse choice for these vehicles right along with the 8.8 conversion for other reasons but they share similar parts. Many retailers quit offering them many years ago because they are prone to gear noise over time. The best bang for the buck is the Strange S60.
Check out some Strange S60 options here. Click Here
Check out some Strange S60 options here. Click Here
EDIT: For the record, noise isn't an issue. I also drive a 99 lifted Jeep Cherokee, and a 2021 Wrangler. Noise is more a way of life for me when driving
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2020
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I have an S60 in my 99 SS. Only about 1,500 miles on it but it's not noisy and holds up to the power with ease.
I believe there are variations of the 9" with the pinion or something being different but not sure.
One thing that bothers me is I want to run the aluminum cover on the S60 but it won't clear the adjustable panhard bar. I'm not sure if I'd be able to grind a hair off the aluminum cover or not.
I believe there are variations of the 9" with the pinion or something being different but not sure.
One thing that bothers me is I want to run the aluminum cover on the S60 but it won't clear the adjustable panhard bar. I'm not sure if I'd be able to grind a hair off the aluminum cover or not.
I also vote for the S60. Got mine from Midwest Chassis last year - they have great customer service. It is holding up great. I am at about 700 rwhp. Install was very easy, everything bolted right in.
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Noise is one thing but once the12-bolt is making noise its because the pattern has been altered which means it could be robbing HP. As for power it isn't power that generally breaks parts and if you plan on making big power a true fabricated nine inch is your best choice.
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Verdad Gallardo I have an S60 in my 99 SS. Only about 1,500 miles on it but it's not noisy and holds up to the power with ease.
I believe there are variations of the 9" with the pinion or something being different but not sure.
One thing that bothers me is I want to run the aluminum cover on the S60 but it won't clear the adjustable panhard bar. I'm not sure if I'd be able to grind a hair off the aluminum cover or not.
I believe there are variations of the 9" with the pinion or something being different but not sure.
One thing that bothers me is I want to run the aluminum cover on the S60 but it won't clear the adjustable panhard bar. I'm not sure if I'd be able to grind a hair off the aluminum cover or not.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 7
You are correct on variations of a 9" Any nine inch that will utilize a stock torque arm will have fitment problems. To make that style of torque arm work they move the pinion towards the passenger side and the torque arm bracket towards the drivers side. This gives driveshaft issues with safety loops and possibly exhaust and it makes the torque arm hit the floor even at stock ride height.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 387
Likes: 172
You are correct on variations of a 9" Any nine inch that will utilize a stock torque arm will have fitment problems. To make that style of torque arm work they move the pinion towards the passenger side and the torque arm bracket towards the drivers side. This gives driveshaft issues with safety loops and possibly exhaust and it makes the torque arm hit the floor even at stock ride height.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 7
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 7
Do not purchase a rearend known for those problems is my suggestion however people had to purchase our two piece arm to get away from the problem or purchase one of our true fabricated nine inches that are built to duplicate a factory 10-bolt and comes with a better torque arm design.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 7
Do not purchase a rearend known for those problems is my suggestion however people had to purchase our two piece arm to get away from the problem or purchase one of our true fabricated nine inches that are built to duplicate a factory 10-bolt and comes with a better torque arm design.