code4

iTrader: (30)

I am getting ready to buy a rear for my Z. I was talking to a local performance shop and he told me about this 12bolt 9" that is lighter/more efficient. Will this work on our cars with a moser 9" housing, if so I am buying one. Check it out:

glennhl

OK, I'll take the bait. Why is this better than a plain ole 12 bolt?

code4

iTrader: (30)

Good point, if it is the same strength as a gm 12 bolt then why not go with the whole 12 bolt setup. This is what I would like to find out. Also I wonder if this thing is streetable. I am going to call them tomorrow.

ROCNDAV

iTrader: (100)

I wonder if it finally allows the use of a 3 channel ABS system with a 9" housing.

chicane

It is better due to the fact that the axle tubes are independant of the center carrier.

Why is this important ?? Well..... in a rear loaded differential like a 12 bolt, 10 bolt, DANA 44 and so on..... when you launch the chassis, the tubes bend forward from loaded traction. When that happends, it unloads the carrier bearings (the preload goes away) which opens up the gear lash and in turn..... it runs the gear set enguagement on a different place on the gear tooth. Well.... if you havent guess it...... this tends to break parts.

• It is more efficient from the pinion center line.
• It is also lighter.
• It makes gear swaps eaiser.
• The adjustments are eaiser to perform.
• And last but not least.... it still is considered a GM part.... for the diehard GM cats out there.

You can also negative camber the rear end, use differential coolers without some silly fabrication and run semi or full floater axle shafts.

Yes, they are street worthy. I have installed quite a few of these in clienst cars. And yes, it will facilitate 3 and 4 channel ABS/Traction control if you take the time and make the choice to mount the center VSS sensor.

Hawkcmc

iTrader: (1)

There was a thread about this type of center section not to long ago. A few guys had ran them and destroyed them similiar to what they where doing to their 12 bolts. Just an fyi. I have never actually used one myself to comment.

CMC

Carter Hays

I think that setup is more suited for a light comp eliminator drag car. You'll tear it up under a full weight F-body

SS2win

iTrader: (11)

I just talked to strange and they said that it was designed for a 1800 pound car. the aluminum centersection will flex and gear life will be significantly reduced.

code4

iTrader: (30)

They told me the exact same thing. Oh well, I just ordered the center section they recommended for the street.

chicane

Wow, I guess the Ford alloy third members are junk for anything over 1800 lbs as well...... geeze, thats a bummer. I guess the guys that have been running these things for 12+ years in 3000+ lb cars are gonna have to replace them ??

At least the manufacturer told you what they will claim the product is good for and probably good that they severly underrated it in their statement. Its kinda funny that alloy third members have been around for years..... and they forgot to tell people that they flex and reduce gear life.

SS2win

iTrader: (11)

RU talking about 12-bolt dropouts or standard aluminum 9" centers?

Mark98SS

iTrader: (1)

This appears to be a center for a 9" housing with a GM style 12 bolt ring, pinion & carrier?

chicane

Both.

I have been using alloy thirds for 15+ years in Land Speed Record events, NHRA/IHRA, SCCA, NASCAR and SCORE off road classes and havent had any of the discussed problems. What you will have problems with, is the pinion support and the main caps and fastners failing. To this note, I am even going to be releasing 3.00" to 3.250" cases that are carved out of a solid billet of 6061, 7075 or Ti-6/4 (you actually have a choice) on a 7 axis CNC machine. These should close the market for application up to and over 2500hp.


You are correct...

SS2win

iTrader: (11)

So do you thing the strange would work on a street car that is autocrossed occasionally? how about pushing 150+ for 100 miles?

Carter Hays

That piece won't last, it's too weak. It's made for dragsters.
Why would strange lie and not want to sell something?

CTSmechanic

iTrader: (2)

I like the pocket bearing on the end of the pinion on the 9 inch I seriously think being worried about parasatic drivetrain loss in one of these cars is not nessicary...so what if you loose a few HP at the wheels.. Nextel cup cars all run 9 inch's and most have drivetrain loss in the 10% area some times a ittle better If a 9 inch isnt good enough I know some guys that will build a 10 inch ford...

chicane

I say that answer would be more dependant on the chassis weight but, yes..... 150+ for 100 miles wouldnt be a problem

Uhhh yeah. Strange didnt lie........

Carter Hays

Strange engineering is in the business of selling parts correct?
Why would they tell someone a certain part wouldn't work, if in fact it would work? I guess they don't want to make a sale.

Go on and buy it. Good luck

SS2win

iTrader: (11)

Strange said it would work but the life expectancy of the gears would be diminished. By how much? who knows. I'd like to hear from someone who has run one.

Carter Hays

Not to pick nits, but "greatly diminished gear life expectancy" to me means it won't work for your application. Get the part strange recommends.
That piece is for light weight tube chassis comp cars.