Can someone please explain what makes a 12 bolt stronger than my stock 10 bolt. Is it internals or the casing that is stronger. I have ideas to replace all the internals with top of the line parts and weld braces to the snout to streghten my stock 10 bolt. I will do the usual T/A or equivelent girdle.

 

Basically, it's the sixe of the internal parts. The 12-bolt is just plain bigger and thus stronger. The ring and pinion are bigger, the axles are bigger, the bearings are bigger.

Rich

 

What do you think of my hopping up of the stock rear end? Im thinking about doing "triangle Braces" and weding them together on the snout and then cross bracing them with thick sheet steel and then all the internals upgraded with "the best" parts and then a Girdle to streghten it up as much as possible. Im cheap and mechanically inclined and have the know how and idea where the stress is put on the casing and internally. Help me out here man... Thanks, Brian Kaiser

 

It isn't going to help you much. You will still be stuck with the stock 7.5/7.625" ring gear. Can't be as strong as an 8.875" 12-bolt ring gear, or a 9.00" gear in a 9-inch rear. Generally not a problem with the housing deflecting.... the Strange 12-bolt uses the same axle tubes as the stock 10-bolt, yet handles up to 1,000HP.

 

Dont they make really strong ring gears(relative to stock)? I mean im looking at 650rwhp on the spray and 550rwhp or so na. If i could brace the rearend and then throw in premium parts inside with a girdle and all that good stuff you can do, how much Hp would you recomend it be run under? I mean if i can get away doing this cheaper and have it hold up then it will be cool. What Im really looking for is the most cost effective way to run this power without breakin' it. And give me some info on what i need to do to the tranny to streghthen it(ie output shaft....ect). Thanks, Brian Kaiser

 

I'm curious...you say 550 rwhp N/A. This isn't an LTx motor is it? Cause it seems to be a waste if you are going to put that kind of money into the engine, (I'd say probably 15 - 20K), and yet you aren't willing to spend the $2000 for a good rear?

 

As long as you don't ever go WOT, you should be just fine.