Affordable 9 inch?

[matty b]

Im shopping for a 9 in right now and Im running into a few head scratchers about what I need and dont need. I already know that I want to run a tru-trac diff but beyond that I dont know what parts are too weak or what is way over kill and a waste of money for my application. I hope to make 600 hp to the wheels out of my twin turbod 5.3 lm7(its the 327 version of the ls1 or think small bore 6.0 truck motor). First, what housing should I go with? I dunno if a stock housing with a back brace is suitable, although you cant beat it for price. Second, do I need anything more than a nodular iron center section? I probably do but what should I get? Third, what are the recommended gear sets? I heard that richmond gears are pretty crappy now days but havent heard much about whats good. Keep in mind Im attempting to keep costs down and Im not looking for an overkill setup just parts that will work without being a time bomb. Im willing to spend money on whats necessary but Id hate to spend an extra 1000 bucks for do-dads that I dont really need. Any suggestions you have or real world recommendations are welcome. Oh and Im not looking to drag race this so I dont need anything that can hold hard launches on slicks, if I do drag race it itll be on drag radials and Ill take it easy on the car. thanks

[ProdigyCustoms]

I would build a 33 spline 12 Bolt with a Tru trac Differential. The 12 bolt in this configuration is stronger then a 9" 31 spline, does not asorb as much power, has a better piion output location, and keeps the car all GM.

A killer 33 spline 12 bolt with New style Big 3.15 bearing, and performance cover is about the same price as a 9".

We sell a lot of these and use them in our own cars.

Here is one going were just finishing behind a bad ass 496 Big Block with a G Bar

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[matty b]

Im building a three link so I prefer to go with a 9 in due to the easy of fabrication on a steel housing. For what its worth I have a slightly molested well not slightly posi 12 bolt in the car now. The stupid ass previous owner cut off the upper and lower control arm tabs and welded on leaf spring mounts :screwy: I wouldnt even be asking this question if they didnt do that but then again thats one of the reasons why I got the car as cheap as i did.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Well, that is a good reason. I hate a locker on the street, but I would consider a locker then so you can go 35 spline.

[matty b]

so you say go for the detroit locker over the tru trac for the spline count? I was wondering where the weak spot would be and Im assuming youre saying the axles are gonna be the weak link at that power level? Do you think a nodulat center section and a braced up big bearing housing will suffice?