1.should i spend money on my stock rearend to make it stronger
TA girdle, etc.
2. just save my money towards a 12 bolt?

since im an auto, do you think its worth it to put money in the stock rear?

jesse

 

I would save your money and just save for either a 12-bolt or 9 inch. I had a stock 10 bolts with a Strange 3.73 gear and it sustained around 550 rwhp with no problems. Everything was stock except for the gear.

 

Which rear end do you have?

If you have the 8.5" 30-spline 10-bolt then you already have a rear-end that is (in my opinion), just as strong as the 12-bolt.
I just re-built mine with new gears & axles, and Eaton and the T/A cover, and I don't expect to ever have to upgrade.

If you don't, then it's definitely worthwhile to saving up for a better rear, but I wouldn't bother upgrading to a 12 bolt.
Why?

Well, if you have a relatively low powered car, say 500 with a stick or 600 with an auto, both with street tires, then you can probably save money over the 12-bolt by going to the 10-bolt I was just talking about.

If you need a stronger rear end because you run on slicks a lot or because you make a LOT of horsepower, then just go straight to the 9" ford rear end.

It's not the strongest rearend that you could run, but it is the strongest rear that can be had for a reasonable price, weight and frictional loss. Plus it has that drop in center section thing going on, so you can keep two gearsets ready to go and swap them out on race day.

 

stock 7.5" 10 bolt 3.73

i plan to test it hard this season, et streets, 2800 stall,shift kit,
but only around 380rwhp....

should i spend the money on a TA girdle, and other strengthing stuff?
or just save for 12 bolt?

jesse

 

M6 guys are known for tearing up those 10-bolts, not A4 guys.

 

thanks for the reassurance
jesse

 

The girdle makes changing the oil in the rear end easy. In all honesty I would not waste your money trying to strengthen up the stock 10 bolt.

 

Yea that rear end girdle sux. Personally it's $150 for an easy way to change your rear end fluid thats about it

 

Girdle = pointless since it tries to preload bearings but theres not really enough meat there on the housing to do anything with.

I would stick with the 10 bolt until you break it. (unlikely honestly with auto) Do get the axle tubes welded up on it though