Fulton 1

iTrader: (9)

Just wanted to update this thread: I received my new TA Performance girdle today and it does indeed have the recessed load bolts. Price was $159.95 just like the standard #1810 for GM car 12-bolt. It has the TA Performance logo engraved on it instead of the Moser logo. I haven't had a chance to compare it to the LPW yet, but I did measure the TA and its max thickness is right at 3.75" (including the load bolts, but of course they don't protrude past the housing). Basically its exactly like rodent's pic above except with the TA performance logo. Note that I had to specify the recessed load bolts when I ordered. They appear to still produce the standard 12-bolt covers as well. Will install it this weekend and see how it goes. It looks like it will clear everything just fine, though.
Also, I've been talking to Joe at Strange and we are pretty sure that the resistance info for the rear wheel speed sensor is not intended to be same as the OEM sensor. Its looking like the metal shavings in the gear oil (due to break-in) may be causing my ABS Inop problem. Also, when I pulled the sensor I may not have installed it to the proper depth - clearance to reluctor wheel should be 0.011". Should know more this weekend and will update again

Fulton 1

iTrader: (9)

Okay, last update
INstalled the TA cover today and it fit perfectly. Clears the upper PHR (although only by a hair) so no notching required. Drained the breakin fluid, cleaned out the guts thoroughly, and filled with 75W-90 Redline. Installed my new wheel sensor at 0.011" clearance and - viola - no more ABS INOP light All looks good now. I must thank rodent for suggesting the TA cover - it is a great solution. I'm going to suggest it to Strange as well. Also, Joe at Strange has been a big help. These guys provide a great product and awesome customer service. Cannot recommend them enough.

DarkLordFtT

you used 75w-90...synthetic I assume?
I called strange and asked them what to use and they said 80w-90 NON-synethetic + 2 bottles of additive lube. What made you go with the 75w-90?

rodent

iTrader: (1)

Glad you got the cover on and your ABS problem is gone Fulton. I think those recessed load bolts should be a standard on every 12 bolt.

Fulton 1

iTrader: (9)

I have run Redline 75W-90 synthetic in my axles for many years with no problems (they do not make an 80W-90). I contacted Redline with the specifics on the Strange setup and they felt there would be no problem using this fluid. It already contains a friction modifier so no additional additive is needed. If you're unsure I would stay with Strange's recommendation.

rodent, I mentioned the cover to Joe and he said he would look into the clearance problem with LPW. Maybe they'll make some changes as well - who knows...

99bluethunderz28

hi,
do you have to change the drive shaft?

Fulton 1

iTrader: (9)

No you don't have to. Its a good idea especially if you plan on doing any hard launches, but not required. I ran my stock driveshaft for a few weeks while waiting for my Denny's with no problems.

Ragtop 99

iTrader: (7)

most people keep the stock driveshaft unless than have forced induction.

StevieZ

iTrader: (3)

I now have 300 miles on my new Strange 12 bolt and it is starting to whine a bit. Not terrible but definitely noticable. I just ordered some Redline Shockproof Heavy Formulation gear oil which helped quiet own the Dana 44 that was in my Viper. I'm going to put the oil in before next weekend and I'll let you know how it works out. I expect it to quiet the diff completely.

StevieZ

iTrader: (3)

Well I spoke too soon ! Today my brand new 12 bolt with all of 450 babied miles on it, has started to sound like a chain saw. There is something seriously wrong. I called Strange and they told me I need to bring it to a specialist to have it checked out and they will go from there. I tell you it is louder than the motor (headers and no cats) at any speed higher than 25 mph. I am not happy.

Fulton 1

iTrader: (9)

Mine's still very quiet, but it sounds like your problem came on fairly suddenly so that's probably no indicator. Do let us know how it goes and good luck with it.

StevieZ

iTrader: (3)

Update...... I just brought my car to the diff specialist and after a quick test drive,he said "It is a very strange noise" I said that's because it is a Strange differential! (just kidding) He said it doesn't sound like gears and that maybe it is a bearing. He's now pulling the cover and I should have news later today at which point I will be able to call Strange back and be one step closer to getting this thing fixed.

StevieZ

iTrader: (3)

Update. The diff was taken apart and not only was the pinion set too shallow by about .006 but the backlash was at .011. There was signifigant wear on both the pinion and the ring gear (HEEL AREA) and by the scoring on the bearing cups it looks like there was too much pre-load on the side bearings. the guy at the shop showed me bearing cups from a 12 bolt with 80K mile on it and they looked better than the ones from my diff. I called Strange from the shop I was at to talk to the woman I had been in touch with yesterday. I got her voicemail and left a message. She didn't call back today. So far I am REALLY not happy. I spent $2550 on a diff that sounds like a chainsaw after 450 babied miles. I hope I hear from someone tomorrow. I'm really pissed.

StevieZ

iTrader: (3)

Upddate..... Strange is making good. They are overnighting me the needed parts for the fix. Looks like they will also cover the labor. Athough there is no excuse for a $2500 diff to fail after 400ish breakin miles, they are standing behind their product. The mechanic took some digital pics and once they saw the extreme wear , they did not hesitate to send the parts. I'm starting to feel better!

Fulton 1

iTrader: (9)

That's good news, StevieZ. Glad to hear they are taking care of you. They were very helpful with my ABS situation as well.

ArcticLS1

How well does the direct replacement moser 12 bolt fit in comparsion with the strange? Any negative experiences with installign moser? I know moser is also a few hundred bucks cheaper and im pretty much decided on on moser. I just snapped my stock rear end tonight on the freeway comming home from work and will order a Moser sometime this week...

The best deal ive found so far was..
$1,899.99 from LS1 Speed.

Fulton 1

iTrader: (9)

I'd recommend doing a search for "Moser"

SScam68

iTrader: (20)

Artic LS1 if you do go with Moser because of price, make sure you have a shop check it out before you install it.

Just run a search here or on the other forum, as fulton 1 posted, you'll see why.

DarkLordFtT

Finally, my Strange is getting delivered tomorrow ... on an 18 wheeler. I feel bad for the driver because the location is ontop a very long, winding, narrow, steep road.
This weekend I get to

I'll up date on how it goes... thx Fulton for all the info in this thread... it owns all.

StevieZ

iTrader: (3)

Update.....my new gears are in and it is quiet. I'll break it in softly for the 1st 500 miles and then we'll see. Incidently. Strange covered all the parts but they only partially covered the install. They will send me a check for $195 when I send them the bill. The install cost me $350. The guy had the carrier and pinion in and out 4 times. Worked a total of 8 hrs on it. the pinion depth was set up .006 off from Strange. So the end result is I lost any $$$ I saved when I bought this on the group purchase.