Alright sorry if this gets a tad long. I ordered a Strange 12-bolt on 1/14/05 from T-Byrne. I ordered it with the 4.11 US Gears, US Gears Super Strength posi unit, and the upgraded aluminum cover with drain plug. They informed me it would be shipped in 4 weeks, which is why I ordered it because I needed it by then. So after 6 weeks it still had not shown up so I called them. They informed me that everything was ok with my order and it should have already been shipped from Strange. So I had them contact Strange to verify this since I had not seen my 12-bolt yet. They called back and told me that they had made a mistake and not called me to let me know that my 4.11 US Gears were on backorder and would not be in for another week (total 7 weeks). I was ok with this and kept my order. So now I called them on 3/10/05 a week after they stated my backorder 4.11 gears were supposed to be in. They now told me that my gears have still yet to come in, but that I could upgrade to Motive 4.11 gears at no extra charge and since they are a better gear I agreed to do this and it would also get my 12-bolt here quicker or so I thought. After this they then told me I was still waiting for my Super Strength posi unit from Us Gears that was on backorder. This is where I got pissed --- seeing as how I was never told at any point that my posi was on backorder. The info they have now given me is that the posi units have been on backorder since December and every time the due date for the posi units is up US Gears calls and pushes the date back further. As of now the 'new' delivery date of the posi unit is on 3/25/05 and then Strange can build the 12-bolt and have it to me by 4/4/05 --- that is if US Gears doesn't push the date back on the posi again. And I can't get anyone with Tbyrne to confirm that they won't push the date back again, which means there is a very good chance that on 3/25/05 I am going to get another call telling me it is going to be even longer before the posi is in. So I talked to Tbyrne and had them contact Strange and see if there were any other options with posi units that could be used so that I did not have to wait any longer. Tbyrne then informed me that I can use the Eaton posi unit, which is rebuildable and in stock. Tbyrne then told me that Strange would only refund $405 for the Super Strength posi and that Tbyrnes cost on the Eaton was $455 and that they would be nice enough to eat the difference for me Give me a break so I have waited an extra 2 months already and they are giving me the option to downgrade my posi unit and the best they are going to do is not charge me extra $$$$ to downgrade my posi unit. So I guess my question is what should I do - go with the Eaton and get the 12-bolt done and shipped to me in the next week or wait until the 25th and hope that the Super Strenght posi delivery date doesn't get pushed back again. Also does anyone know what the differences are between the Eaton and the US Gears Super Strength?? My understanding is that the Eaton is a good unit, but not as good as the Super Strength. Please help as I need this rearend asap, but also do not want to give up any strength in it. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

That kind of service on an order of more than 2 grand? I'd tell both companies to go screw themselves and buy from their competitors. How about a Moser from Thunder Racing?

More than likely, that would take longer than just waiting for TByrne/Strange to get things straight. I wouldn't sacrifice quality parts without getting money back though.

 

Ya, I thought about going with the Moser, but like you said that would probably end up taking longer since the order couldn't be placed until the refund showed up from Tbyrne or at least until my tax refund came in. I am hoping I don't have to go that route, but I do have it in the back of my mind if things with Tbyrne don't start improving a LOT faster.

 

All I can say after years of ordering performance parts is that stuff like this happens, fairly frequently. Especially this time if year as people are gearing up for the race season. I can see being a little frustrated, but you seem to be overreacting. This is just a normal part of getting a car ready. I started putting my race car together in October and the last parts I need just shipped on Tuesday. You need to learn to live with this, IMHO.

As far as Strange v. Moser, they are essentially equivalent. Moser typically ships in a couple of days, which is why I usually recommend them. I don't know much about the "Super Strength" posi, but the Eaton is a great unit.

Rich

 

It is not Tom's fault. I have been in this situation also & often the Posi units are backordered. These are a special deal w/ strange so mass production is limited. They are at the mercy of a supplier as well. I have waited a few months for one & I have dealt with customers getting impatient. It is not a pleasant situation, but little can be done other than cancel the order. If I were you, I would just wait them out so you get what you need. I would not recommending a step down to the standard posi. This is not a solution, but I just thought i would let you know that these things happen, especially in the winter season when everyone is also upgrading their cars. Supply just cannot keep up with the demand.

 

Your screwed either way. If you go with an Eaton and you optioned for something bigger than 30 spline axle (Eaton doesn't make a posi bigger then that) then Strange will most likely send it out to get the posi rebuilt to accept larger axles. Strange will most likely send it to US Gear to do this cause if their building their rears with US Gears, their sending their posis there also for this mod. If you bag it and go moser, guess what gears Moser uses in their rear ends? US Gears. Where does Moser send their posis to get rebuilt for larger axles? US Gear. Ask me how I know this. I broke the Eaton (33 spline) and also needed a replacement ring and pinion. Nothing but a big pain in the *** trying to get that stuff from US Gear. Good luck.

Ken R.

 

Well, I contacted Strange today and found out that Tbyrne was basically lying to me or at least stretching the truth a little-- as I thought they were about a lot of the situation. I asked Strange what they thought of the Eaton posi unit and they actually recommended it. They stated that the Eaton posi is an Eaton external housing with Eaton internals. The US Gear posi is an Eaton external housing with US Gears internals. They basically said that there was no difference between the 2 other than who makes the internals and stated that Eaton was a very reputable company that would give me a better warranty than US Gears would and that I would never know the difference between the 2. They also stated that I was getting the Motive 4.11 gears as an upgrade due to the fact that the US Gears were still on backorder just like the posi unit. They actually said that if Tbyrne allowed me to do this they don't know why others haven't done the same as this was a better option especially since I would get my rearend a lot faster this way and would not be sacrificing any strength. So as of today my Eaton posi should be delivered to Strange on Monday/Tuesday and will come tagged for MY 12-bolt and installed immediatley and shipped out to me.

roguedriver -- Are you sure about the 33 spline issue. When I ordered my 12-bolt the upgrades were already included which is the 33 spline. When I talked to Tbyrne and Strange both of them stated that the Eaton and the US Gears were identical except for who made the internals and that there would be NO issues with using the Eaton in place of the US Gears posi. You definately raised a flag though -- so I guess on Monday I will be calling both companies back just to verify this.

Any other info you guys have would be great. Keep it coming. Also I understand that I may be overreacting a little, but I also beleive that if a company tells you something they need to do their best to stand up to what they said and do their best to accomodate you if they cannot. This wasn't the biggest issue I had though it was the fact that I was getting the runaround from them and getting different answers from each person I talked to about it. In the end all Tbyrne did was tell me -- oh well there is nothing we can do to help you other than keep calling Strange to see when it will be done. Then all of a sudden when they realized I was not going to take that for an answer they found ways to help out by getting other posis and shipping them out to them. I hate that it takes that with some companies to get things done. Like I said though ya I probably did overreact, but guess what it got the job done.

 

I would also check with Strange/Eaton and see if they can/will install 800lb preload springs in your Eaton...Standard is 400lb. This helps if you are going to use a very sticky tire, slicks, etc...It might be a little overkill, but the 800lb spring kit is like $60...I used 800s in my 12 bolt Moser in my Chevelle and they work great...Just something to think about, since you've waited this long...

--Alan

 

I bought Tthe same strange rear but ordered it from jegs a couple of years ago, they shipped directly from strange and I also bought a us gear posi torque line its the biggest piece of **** ever do not buy a us gear posi or you will spend the money twice. Check out truetrac 1 800 328 3850 if you dont have your rear yet you can substitute. Tony at moser told me they are testing one in a 9 sec 1st gen with no failures.

I have to wait till they make one with 33 spline and the 45 Degree pressure angle cut strange axles have. Till then I'll keep rebuiding my ****ty us gear.

John

 

Sorry to hear about your problem.

I had a couple problems with my Strange 12 bolt and customer service was one of them.

I waited 3 months to get mine and when I had a problem Tbyrne didn't call me back and for the people at Strange they were completely worthless.
Strange got so bad that I can't recommend them because of their poor customer service.


Good luck

 

On the Strange, 33-spline axles are "standard".... doesn't matter which posi you ordered.

 

Man... that's why you always gotta call the manufacturer after thye recieve your order... especially if it's a drop ship... why bother with the middle man?

BTW Eaton Differentials are bad ***@@@

 

Thanks for all the info guys -- that's why I love this site. I will definately be calling both Tbyrne and Strange on Monday morning. I am glad to hear that the Eaton is better and hopefully there won't be an issue with the 33 spline. I will definately ask for the 800lbs springs though. Thanks again

 

Well, I talked to Tbyrne and Strange. The Eaton does come as a 33-spline so there is no issue there. I did request the 800 lbs springs, but they had already shipped the Eaton out to Strange with the standard 400 lbs springs. No big deal though I am ordering the 800s and will install them myself when I change the fluid after the 500 mile breakin period. Then I will also have the 400s as spares just in case. Tbyrne wanted $89.99 for the 800s and then $12.00 for shipping so I am going to check elsewhere on prices just to make sure. The Eaton will be at Strange on Wednesday and they said they will have it assembled and shipped out on Friday. Thanks for all the help!!!