What about the Strange S60 in an A-Body?

[peacemaker]

Does anyone out there have a GM A-body with the Strange S60 in it? I am interested in putting one of their bolt in units in my '69 GTO but would like to chat with some people who have done something similiar. I always hear people complaining about the extra weight but considering that these cars are nose heavy anyway, I don't think that is much of a problem. Thanks for your help.

___________________________
Josh

[silver69camaro]

They're extremely beefy housings. I can't see anyone busting a 12-bolt without slicks, so it's up to you if you need the extra strength.

As far as weight goes, remember that these things are 100% unsprung weight.

[Bandit]

Josh,
I hear they're about 30lb heavier than the Ford 9"...
Pretty hard to break though!!

[peacemaker]

Is anyone aware of test articles available comparing the S60 with the Ford 9" and the GM 12 bolt? I am interested to see if the heft of this rear end will cost hp.

[go-fish]

When I ordered mine, Strange tried to sell me one of the brake kits they stock, Baer I think. I had already installed Willwoods Big Brake kit in front so Ww was the brake I wanted in the rear. The Ww rear kits e-brake is a Beeaatch. So is the rest of the install, I dread the day I have to take apart and put it back together.

[peacemaker]

Apart from the brake issue are you happy with the product and service?

[peacemaker]

What would you go with in a 60 rear end, the Locker, power-loc, or traction-loc? I have heard that the Detroit Locker is tempermental for street use by some folks, but I have no experience with them. I have also heard that the power-loc is a more solid posi unit. What do you think?

[MonzaRacer]

Well after seeing the price why spend that much $$$.
Get a good shop to take a 12 bolt and remove the tubes, get it cleaned up and after measuring the tubes you get some heavy wall 3in DOM tubing and turn it down to fit, press it in and weld all the way around, then have a good shop set it up wih proper brackets bearing ends(I recomend a sealed ford type bolt in ) and some Moser Axles, slide in your fav rear LS unit and as for a locker I wouldnt do it in a corner burner. Actually for the money the new Eaton Electrics are sweet(not sure if the 12 bolts out yet) or if it would work but the Eatons seem good too.
Then add on a preload rear cover.
I have a buddy who has a drag car with similar etup that is over 10 yrs old and he has blown several R&Ps and just ripped car apary to refinish it and had it all checked and had to reweld only one weld and this car now has a high winding 380in engine(4.125x3 5/8, 18 deg headsetc) and it holds up.

[peacemaker]

To me it doesn't seem like that much money when you consider what you are getting. You are not piecing together a rear that is 20-35 years old. You a getting a brand new piece that is designed, tested, and warrantied from the ground up for serious use. Every piece is brand new including the housing and it is put together by a reputable company. I have priced out the cost of purchasing a used 12 Bolt and setting it up with solid internals and it would only cost me a few hundred less than a brand new S60. I know that I could buy a brand new Moser 12 Bolt for a similar price as well as a Currie 9". Any one of these "factory" set up rears would be a great item for the price and I have considered each one. However, I have never seen a Goat with a 60 rear in it and I don't mind doing something diffferent.

[go-fish]

I have been through several 8 3/4 posi mopar rears under my old Challenger and those things aren't much weaker than a 9". Since I have a 'cuda now I wasn't going to do anything but another Mopar rear and junkyard Dana's are non-existant so either a Moser or Strange was the choice. I have been well taken care of at Strange and would do business with them again. I will post a pic shortly.

[go-fish]

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[martZ]

Thumbs up for Strange. Top notch customer service and excellent products. They’ll steer you in the right direction.