3rd Member Recommendation - Currie, Moser, Strange?

[carbuff]

I'm looking to order a Ford 9" 3rd member for my project, and I'm looking any advice/suggestions before I make my choice...

I looked at Currie, Moser, and Strange's websites this week, and they all appear to be roughly in the same ballpark price-wise. THe rough configuration that I'm planning to go with is:


Nodular Case
3.89 gearset
TrueTrac Carrier
1350 Yoke
31-spline axles


I've thought about an aluminum case, but opinions seem mixed on whether that's a good idea for extended road use. This is a place where I'm looking for advice.

Another place I'm curious about is the pinion support. Some offer an aluminum one, which I likely wouldn't choose.

For cases, there are multiple options from each manufacturer. I'm not planning on much (any) drag racing, and I'll 'only' be making around 600HP.

What else do I need to consider?

And any particularly good or bad experiences with these manufacturers?

Finally, am I best off to just order directly from these manufacturers on these, or should I be talking to a vendor?

Appreciate any insight...

[JasonElvisHeard]

Strange....


I have had my paws all over members from top manufactures and at the end of the day Strange is who gets my phone call.... :D

Ironically enough I make less money selling Strange but the lack of issues is why I dont bother selling anything else.

Jason

[carbuff]

Thanx Jason! Real-world experience is always appreciated. :)

If you are interested in pricing one for me per the above description, feel free to PM it to me...

[Ron in SoCal]

Strange....


I have had my paws all over members from top manufactures and at the end of the day Strange is who gets my phone call.... :D

Ironically enough I make less money selling Strange but the lack of issues is why I dont bother selling anything else.

Jason

I've heard some of the same recently Jason. Can you explain to me the difference between the True Trac and the S-Track? Also, any comments on your past history testing w the Wave Track? Appreciate the input...!

[Amituk]

I'm with Jason, hence me choosing the s trac and the strange hd ally 3rd member.

See my build thread for some detailed pics

The quality looks spot on.

[AmKenpo1]

Strange....


I have had my paws all over members from top manufactures and at the end of the day Strange is who gets my phone call.... :D

Ironically enough I make less money selling Strange but the lack of issues is why I dont bother selling anything else.

Jason

Thank you Jason, your support and feedback is important to us. At Strange we have been continually working on our products to improve strength, weight and performance. The Eaton Truetrac is an awsome Diff. and we recommend it for folks running 31 spline axles that are doing spirited driving. Be sure to research all of your options and chose the assembly that fits your needs.
Have Fun!

Wil.

[Ron in SoCal]

Strange....


I have had my paws all over members from top manufactures and at the end of the day Strange is who gets my phone call.... :D

Ironically enough I make less money selling Strange but the lack of issues is why I dont bother selling anything else.

Jason

I've heard some of the same recently Jason. Can you explain to me the difference between the True Trac and the S-Track? Also, any comments on your past history testing w the Wave Track? Appreciate the input...!

Thank you Jason, your support and feedback is important to us. At Strange we have been continually working on our products to improve strength, weight and performance. The Eaton Truetrac is an awsome Diff. and we recommend it for folks running 31 spline axles that are doing spirited driving. Be sure to research all of your options and chose the assembly that fits your needs.
Have Fun!

Wil.

Maybe one of you boys can answer my question? :lateral:

[AmKenpo1]

I've heard some of the same recently Jason. Can you explain to me the difference between the True Trac and the S-Track? Also, any comments on your past history testing w the Wave Track? Appreciate the input...!

Ron,
Both the TrueTrac and the S-Track are helical gear differentials. The S-Track for the 9" is designed with more internal gears which allow it to spread the load over more area, giving it better power handling. We have seen the S-Track in a Low 9 second 2800Lbs. drag car that drives to the track and home. The S-Track also has a Lifetime Warranty. I hope this helps.

Wil.

[Flash68]

Bryan, did you make a purchase yet? I am looking at this now too.

[carbuff]

I did... I went with Strange. I got their case and the TruTrac with the 3.89's, and I purchased directly from Strange.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m23/carbuff69/1971%20Firebird%20Formula%20-%20Project%20TOW/update_0126_09_zps2537dbd9.jpg

[Flash68]

Nice.. Looks killer. :thumbsup:

[Nativefx]

How do you like your 3rd member from Strange with the 3.89's? Have you had a chance to install and run it yet? Do you know which brand gears they used for your setup and do you notice any whine from the rear?


I did... I went with Strange. I got their case and the TruTrac with the 3.89's, and I purchased directly from Strange.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m23/carbuff69/1971%20Firebird%20Formula%20-%20Project%20TOW/update_0126_09_zps2537dbd9.jpg

[carbuff]

I have about 6000 miles on it now. I like the TrueTrac, and I'm still debating my gear ratio selection. As for the noise, yes, there is some. I took the chunk out and had a local shop go through it to check the gear alignment, and they did reset it. The noise is less now than it was, but I do still get a little now and then at highway speeds.

I don't know whose gear set they use. I probably did at one point, but no idea now.

Overall I'm happy. If there were no gear noise, I'd been happier, but I have enough other noise that I don't tend to notice it much...

[67ragtp]

With regards to gear noise, which has been a pet peeve of mine, there just is no aftermarket gear set out there that's quiet. At least in the 12 bolt arena, no reputable set up guy will guarantee gear noise. Moser basically says your gonna hear it, it pisses me off! What I don't get is, you can buy a new 600-700 hp car(vette, Shelby, hellcat) and have a whisper quiet gears that handle the power and go 100,000 + miles. If this gear set is expensive so be it, it should be offered.
So the choices are Richmond, Motive, Yukon. They all suck, just bought a another set of Yukons from Randys because they actually advertise quiet operation. I receive the gears in a Yukon box and they have Motives part number stamped in them. Go Figure?
Ive heard some some performance gears made by Motive are being cut in Italy and some in china, who knows, I just want quiet gears too.
2cents- Rich

[cjfirstgen]

With regards to gear noise, which has been a pet peeve of mine, there just is no aftermarket gear set out there that's quiet. At least in the 12 bolt arena, no reputable set up guy will guarantee gear noise. Moser basically says your gonna hear it, it pisses me off! What I don't get is, you can buy a new 600-700 hp car(vette, Shelby, hellcat) and have a whisper quiet gears that handle the power and go 100,000 + miles. If this gear set is expensive so be it, it should be offered.
So the choices are Richmond, Motive, Yukon. They all suck, just bought a another set of Yukons from Randys because they actually advertise quiet operation. I receive the gears in a Yukon box and they have Motives part number stamped in them. Go Figure?
Ive heard some some performance gears made by Motive are being cut in Italy and some in china, who knows, I just want quiet gears too.
2cents- Rich

You will never get away from all NVH unless you use nice soft rubber bushings in the suspension thus losing handling. It is a balance. Case in point the 2012 Shelby I had had very loud gear whine once I went to poly bushings along with stout suspension pieces. I recently put it back to stock and it returned to being quiet as a mouse.

[cjfirstgen]

Having the big bearing 9" rear diff converted to a floater with the Strange Pro Touring Floater kit and a Strange Pro HD Aluminum third member installed. Changing from 31 spline axles to 35 spline and Strange S-track as well.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn232/cjfar_2008/1969%20Camaro%20RS_SS%20ZZ572%20PT/strange-pro-hd-aluminum-case_zps0hfehyuw.jpg

Also having REM treatment done to the gears, bearings and chrome moly yoke. Many benefits including noise reduction. Never heard of the process before. The benefits of taking the differential to one of the best race car builders in the country. :G-Dub:

http://www.vacmotorsports.com/blog/ring-and-pinion-what-is-rem-treatment/

Some of their work in the pic.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn232/cjfar_2008/Camaro%20Parts%20For%20Sale/Centers%20ready%20to%20go%20003_zpszkhpvavj.jpg