Where can I learn more about rear axles, gears and housings?

[Andric LibreSinn]

I'm looking for links to articles, videos or books to buy.


I've decided on a speedtech extreme front subframe (there are still questions to be answered there) but my questions started to arise once I started looking into torque arms.


I ask because I learned that the GM 12 bolt is distressingly weak at high horse power (drag, sticky tires et al) compared to the Ford 9 bolt. I really don't want to waste money and just get it done right the first time esp since these TAs are designed for a specific housing application. currieenterprises.com looks promising from what I understand and what I could gather it's just the housing. So I'm really confused.


To wit I want to learn a bunch first before I make any decisions in this regard.


Thank you

[David Pozzi]

Currie is a good source for a Ford 9". For a torque arm application the 9" is a better option. Look at the Fab9 housing, you have so specify everything with them so you need to tell them what housing (axle) ends you want: taper bearing, ball bearing, or floater, filler bung size, wheel bolt circle, and wheel stud size/type. Brake calipers and rotors are an option, so is having an emergency brake system and cables. If the car will be cornered hard, get the full floater axles by Baer. Then order the carrier assembly I perfer the Tru-Trac (Positraction) and gears/ratio. Micro polishing is an option. Carrier options are cast iron, cast Nodular iron, and aluminum.

Once you get your housing you need to weld on your mounts for the three link or whatever you will be using and powder coat it. If you do a lot of welding on the axle tubes, the housing probably needs to be checked for straightness. It would be best if Currie could weld the brackets on before straightening and building the axle.

HP books may have something to read, or look through the magazine articles.

I'd get a Currie Fab9 housing
Specify your needed overall width wheel to wheel.
bolt circle: chevy 4 3/4" 12mm studs or 1/2" NF
Baer or other type floater axles if you will do hard cornering
speedway floater axles. Currie can get them for you
If you go non-floater, the choice is ball bearing or taper bearing.
I forget the axle spline count, I think it's 32 spline inner, and the outer to match your floater drive plates

Large filler port in a location you can reach easily
Drain plug on bottom
Axle vent

Diff assy
Strange aluminum carrier or nodular iron
Tru-Trac positraction or other preference
ring gear ratio:

I'm probably missing something but this is a good start