gator68428
05-11-2017, 07:18 AM
I've read about this topic and it seems that Strange makes a kit meant for side loads and not just for drag racing. I have a stock 8.5" 10 bolt (from 74 Ventura, junkyard find, upgraded stock posi unit of similar vintage) in my 68 Firebird that I track and AutoX. I'm invested in the rear end already and am perfectly content to keep it for the life of the car--including all future high horsepower plans (regardless of how optimistic or unrealistic they may be ;-) . I have the TCI rear torque arm and welded on brackets etc. so I'm going to keep the housing as is. May weld the axle tubes just for added insurance/potential future upgrades. I see no reason to buy a new carrier. Only thing I would consider adding, if I were going to hit the drag strip with more HP, would be a cover bearing cap brace.
Main reason is to tighten things up a little bit in the back and minimize pad knockback. Adding c-clip eliminators should reduce lateral axle movement in turns if I understand correctly. I have single piston floating calipers in the rear and I can hear the pads rubbing some under regular street driving under side loads out back--seems to have gotten worse after recent track days and autoXing. And back in 2014 after a good guys event i had a bearing/seal slip out due to vibrations over time from a slightly bent axle (replaced axle and bearing and haven't had that issue since).
I noticed Strange has a complete kit that is configurable and includes hardened axles built to withstand drag racing abuse etc. Thinking about going with the 30 spline axles and replacing the spider gears in the diff to accommodate 30 splines (Yukon sells a kit i think will work...). Spider gears are a little loose anyways and need to be tightened up.
Strange Part Number: P1011GOT
https://www.strangeengineering.net/product/gm-street-strip-oval-track-axles-elim-kit-1-2-stud-kit.html/
Looking at these spider gears. Assuming these would work with a GM diff?
Yukon Part#YPKGM8.5-P-30
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/yga-16053
Also looking into replacing the clutches as well. Seems these would work.
Rons Machine Service GM 8.5" Factory S-Spring Type Posi Carbon Clutch Kit GM8.5CPK
http://www.ronsmachiningservice.net/clutch-kits/gm-8-5-factory-s-spring-type-posi-carbon-clutch-kit/
Anyone have any experience with any of these parts or care to weigh in? Since I'm not planning on going full floater, I know a properly built 10 bolt will serve my needs well, but I want to get it done right.
Oh, and as far as the brake caliper brackets go, I do understand my options are more limited, but I plan to solve that problem after doing what's best for the housing.
Main reason is to tighten things up a little bit in the back and minimize pad knockback. Adding c-clip eliminators should reduce lateral axle movement in turns if I understand correctly. I have single piston floating calipers in the rear and I can hear the pads rubbing some under regular street driving under side loads out back--seems to have gotten worse after recent track days and autoXing. And back in 2014 after a good guys event i had a bearing/seal slip out due to vibrations over time from a slightly bent axle (replaced axle and bearing and haven't had that issue since).
I noticed Strange has a complete kit that is configurable and includes hardened axles built to withstand drag racing abuse etc. Thinking about going with the 30 spline axles and replacing the spider gears in the diff to accommodate 30 splines (Yukon sells a kit i think will work...). Spider gears are a little loose anyways and need to be tightened up.
Strange Part Number: P1011GOT
https://www.strangeengineering.net/product/gm-street-strip-oval-track-axles-elim-kit-1-2-stud-kit.html/
Looking at these spider gears. Assuming these would work with a GM diff?
Yukon Part#YPKGM8.5-P-30
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/yga-16053
Also looking into replacing the clutches as well. Seems these would work.
Rons Machine Service GM 8.5" Factory S-Spring Type Posi Carbon Clutch Kit GM8.5CPK
http://www.ronsmachiningservice.net/clutch-kits/gm-8-5-factory-s-spring-type-posi-carbon-clutch-kit/
Anyone have any experience with any of these parts or care to weigh in? Since I'm not planning on going full floater, I know a properly built 10 bolt will serve my needs well, but I want to get it done right.
Oh, and as far as the brake caliper brackets go, I do understand my options are more limited, but I plan to solve that problem after doing what's best for the housing.