Aluminum 9" 3rd members. . .durability/strength???

[atomicjoe23]

Any of you guys running aluminum 3rd members???

If so for how long, how much horsepower, trackdays (Auto-X/Roadcourse). . .

. . .basically wondering how strong they are and how well they hold up when used on a car that sees a lot of track time (not drag strip).

Thanks!

[badazz81z28]

I'm interested as well. Seeing a T56 has an aluminum case, I don't see strength being an issue, but I was told gear contact could be an issue because of different thermal properties.

Bump!

[T_Raven]

I don't have experience with one, but I plan to get a strange HD-9 if I ever buy an aftermarket case.

http://www.strangeengineering.net/website/strange-hd-pro-aluminum-case-2


I can't find any info about one breaking. I can't imagine there is anyway one would break from auto-x or road racing.

[cjfirstgen]

This is what I have being setup with a Strange S-trak, REM treated US gears, 1350 yoke, and 35 spline axles and pro touring floater setup. Should be bullet proof.

[Decline]

I've got a strange HD with motiv gears and a detroit tru trak in my speedway floater. About 500 miles and 1 autoX and no problems..I dont expect there to be either.
Im not making much power at the moment but with my eventual goal of 500rwhp it should still be bullet proof:bigun2:

[GregWeld]

I ran one in my 4000 pound '56 Nomad - with 550hp... and pounded it pretty good and often - no problems what so ever.

I will say - that unless I was RACING - I wouldn't bother to pay up for one again. It's really only about weight savings... and in most cars that's negligible. Certainly didn't save anything going in my pig of a Nomad! LOL

[AmKenpo1]

We do recommend the Pro HD Aluminum case for anyone with a heavier car looking to use an aluminum case. It has a very stout pinion support with excellent pinion bearing lubrication. It's thru-bolt design cuts back on the deflection you would get in our light weight aluminum case. Coupled with our 35 spline S-Track Helical gear differential it would be a great all around assembly.
If your not worried about weight the HD Pro case is always a winner.

Wil.

[atomicjoe23]

Thanks Wil!

[Chassisworks]

We always recommend the Strange HD Pro-Aluminum (https://www.cachassisworks.com/p-2137-ford-9-third-member-hd-pro-aluminum-35-spline-s-trac.aspx) with S-Trac posi. It will handle the most power of any non-spool third member and in a performance application the lighter un-sprung weight is always beneficial.

https://www.cachassisworks.com/images/Product/medium/8520-329.jpg