Hello all,
I thought I'd share a brief write up on the recent projects I've taken on for my rear end. This forum helped me along my journey so figured I'd pay it back by describing my journey.
For starters, I bent two OEM axles at the strip which motivated these installs. I began with ordering the 35 spline Strange S-trac and axles equipped with c-clip eliminators + abs compatibility. From there I purchased a CHE axle brace and had the axle tubes welded. My next step will be to change the rear gears. I haven't made up my mind between the 4.10 or 3.73 yet but I have made up my mind that I'm going to drop the stock 3.31 set up.
Strange S-trac/axles:
When looking to upgrade the rear I found myself with a lot of choices and no idea what direction to go. The mainstream next step seemed to be moving to an aftermarket 31-spline axle setup. One step above that would be moving to a 33-spline diff/axle setup. The step above that is where I landed, 35 spline set up from Strange. Finally the "cure-all" next step was ditching the stock 8:8 rear and moving to a 9. Worth noting that as the options progress the price tag surges. I landed where I did because I wanted something a little overkill to provide at the least some mental insurance. I've heard of and seen posts of people bending the 31 spine setups regardless of brand. My car is no where near and probably will not be serious enough to move away from the stock 8:8. So with that I landed on the Strange 35 spline setup.
Overall I am happy with the Strange system. It took about 2 months for the parts to arrive which was a little disappointing but they are made to order I believe. I had one issue with the center cap/spacer for the axle getting stuck in the OEM rim. There seems to be a super snug fit for the rim and spacer.
CHE axle brace/welding:
On the forum there are a few solutions for reinforcing the rear. Swar bar, axle brace, welding the tubes and maybe a few others. I landed on the CHE axle brace because I have BMR lower control arm relocation brackets. It appeared to be the only option that would fit. My shop said the install was not as easy as advertised. Fitment was not perfect with respect to the holes but they were able to install nonetheless.
Welding the axle tubes seemed to be the best reinforcement per the forums. It isn't a long or over complicated job so I figured it was a no brainer given all my other investments.
A few pictures:
Spacer issue:
Bent OEM axle:
The car:
I thought I'd share a brief write up on the recent projects I've taken on for my rear end. This forum helped me along my journey so figured I'd pay it back by describing my journey.
For starters, I bent two OEM axles at the strip which motivated these installs. I began with ordering the 35 spline Strange S-trac and axles equipped with c-clip eliminators + abs compatibility. From there I purchased a CHE axle brace and had the axle tubes welded. My next step will be to change the rear gears. I haven't made up my mind between the 4.10 or 3.73 yet but I have made up my mind that I'm going to drop the stock 3.31 set up.
Strange S-trac/axles:
When looking to upgrade the rear I found myself with a lot of choices and no idea what direction to go. The mainstream next step seemed to be moving to an aftermarket 31-spline axle setup. One step above that would be moving to a 33-spline diff/axle setup. The step above that is where I landed, 35 spline set up from Strange. Finally the "cure-all" next step was ditching the stock 8:8 rear and moving to a 9. Worth noting that as the options progress the price tag surges. I landed where I did because I wanted something a little overkill to provide at the least some mental insurance. I've heard of and seen posts of people bending the 31 spine setups regardless of brand. My car is no where near and probably will not be serious enough to move away from the stock 8:8. So with that I landed on the Strange 35 spline setup.
Overall I am happy with the Strange system. It took about 2 months for the parts to arrive which was a little disappointing but they are made to order I believe. I had one issue with the center cap/spacer for the axle getting stuck in the OEM rim. There seems to be a super snug fit for the rim and spacer.
CHE axle brace/welding:
On the forum there are a few solutions for reinforcing the rear. Swar bar, axle brace, welding the tubes and maybe a few others. I landed on the CHE axle brace because I have BMR lower control arm relocation brackets. It appeared to be the only option that would fit. My shop said the install was not as easy as advertised. Fitment was not perfect with respect to the holes but they were able to install nonetheless.
Welding the axle tubes seemed to be the best reinforcement per the forums. It isn't a long or over complicated job so I figured it was a no brainer given all my other investments.
A few pictures:
Spacer issue:
Bent OEM axle:
The car:
