Rear End Options - Pros/Cons?

[James Montigny]

9" Ford
12Bolt GM
Dana 60

What did you pick and why?

Ease of install?
Efficiency?
Weight?
Price?
Design?

I see a lot of people going with the 9" and losing a lot of power to efficiency.
But taking advantage of the weight and flexibility of that platform.
I'd like to hear what others think of the options.

[Grr]

One of the magazines did a test againts all three, think it was car craft. The 9" was only down about 4hp, that is mostly an old wives tale. Also, if you put aftermarket brakes on the 9", it is within x pounds of a 12 bolt or dana 60. But, if you go with the aluminum center, it is actually lighter than either.
Depending on what you have, the moser m9 is awesome. Since it comes with its own tq arm and everything, it is expensive, put the quality is unsurpassed.

[Fastbird]

Strange 12 Bolt. Why? Because I got it for $1300.

[BrianEsser]

Moser 12 bolt with their custom cast nodular center section. Way stronger than a stock 9" housing (and some aftermarkets!), and stronger than a Dana 60. $1700 with 33spline axles and the billet yoke for the large spicer joints.

[lethal93ta]

9 inch, it will take anything I can put to it, I know to many guys that broke moser 12 bolts, off of trans brakes and 6000 RPM clutch drops, I need something that will handle my trans brake and this will do it.

http://www.streetlethal.net/moser/IMG_0380.JPG
http://www.streetlethal.net/moser/IMG_0398.JPG
http://www.streetlethal.net/moser/IMG_0400.JPG
http://www.streetlethal.net/moser/IMG_0411.JPG

[BrianEsser]

But were they the new nodular center sections? Moser makes their own, they don't use GM sections. They haven't been on out that long. The mounting ears on the G-body sets are almost twice as thick than stock 12 bolts, just as an example.

[lethal93ta]

the people that I know that broke the 12 bolts broke the ring gears.

[BrianEsser]

Then it was the fault of the gear set manufacturer OR caused by case deflection (which the new center sections prevent). Moser doesn't make ring and pinions.

I just know my buddies has been through 20+ derbies, where his car gets drilled at 50mph regularly. Often to the point where a full size crown vic is about the size of a civic when he's done. The only thing he reuses is the 408 and the moser rear end. It once got drilled so hard sideways it damn near shot out the other side of the car. Still straight and working fine. I know others make great rear ends, don't get me wrong. but, his sold me on Moser.

[PewterSS]

I am going to say a moser 9inch just from hearing alot of breaking stories on the 12 bolts. I will be getting a 9 inch soon so i can finally hit the strip.

[LT1_Fireman]

The 12 bolt is a great rear if you don't have a ton of power and launch if hard, if you do however with the way our suspensions are designed with a tq arm you will develope gear noise due to case deflexion.The S60 is the same way its crasy strong just isn't that great for tq arm cars.In conclusion the moser 9inch is the only logical choice for our cars imho.

[CALL911]

I've got well over 600 RWHP, and take mine to the track with slicks (at least half a dozen times a year). My Moser 12 bolt has lasted years (5 and counting) without a single problem.

Back when I got mine, they were a bit more money. I payed $2500 for mine. You can now get some killer deals. The Moser 12 is great, but didn't fit in as perfectly as I had hoped. Nothing major, but had to get some relocation brackets for the rear sway bar.

If I were to do it again, I'd probably go with the Strange 12 bolt like Fastbird did.

[Twisted Z]

General rule of thumb from a guy who HAS installed them all.

The 12 bolt is great for automatic cars.(I have one in mine) Will die in Stick cars that drag race fast.

Nine Inch. Great for Stick cars but no 3 channel ABS(most LTx cars are three channel) unless you get Moser M9

Dana 60 is still new in our configuration. time will tell so far so good.

BTW the Strange still has the little issue you are complaining about as the Moser ;)

NOW IF you can find a KTRE 12 bolt they are the best but they are kind of like unicorns LOL!


BTW 9 in takes the most floor clearancing of them all :D

[96LT1355Z28]

I went with the Midwest Chassis 9". After talking with Eric on the phone I learned the following: comes with relocation brackets, custom TA (tunnel or trans mounted your choice), drain and fill plugs, has an option for 3 channel abs, priced cheaper than an S60 and the same weight as a 12 bolt (he claims same as 10 bolt with alum. center). I didn't want to loose the abs so conventional 9" was out. I didn't want to have to shorten my driveshaft and the added weight of the S60. I was afraid of the notiorus noise from the 12 bolt. After buying all the rear suspension accesories I spent about the same or less than if I'd pieced together parts for a 12 bolt or S60. LCA's, PHB, and TA are rod ended chromolly and the front mount of the TA and LCA brackets on the rear have 5 holes each for tons of adjustability. As an added bonus the tunnel mounted TA has a DS loop for no extra charge. It has Motive gears, Trutrac posi, Moser 31 spline axles, and a Strange SS third member (setup by him ready to bolt into the housing) Total cost was just under $3500.00 with all options and shipping. I added things like powder coating of all parts, a back brace, 3 channel abs, and a rear drag bar. The entire setup bolted right in with no modification issues at all. That's why I went with the Midwest Chassis 9".

[BIGT94z]

go 9in or s60 james :happybday:

[BluBeaSSt]

You cant beat a 9inch for the price, and the S60 is "Just as strong". Now the 9inch does rob more power because of the offset of the pinion,but the 9inch is the only rear diff you have a pinion support.


Also I built my Moser w/ 31 spine for 1600....and some change

[Hot94Z28]

I went with the S60. I ordered it from Midwest chassis and performance. After figuring the price it was cheaper then there 9-inch. But there 9-inch comes with a torque arm. The thing is the S60 comes with new brake mounts at no extra cost from strange. There 9-inch you have to buy new ones or send them yours. I wanted to keep the break mounts on my stock rear in case I wanted to swap rears back if I sell the car.

So my S60 cost me with new drive shaft and shipped $2900 and some change. It bolted right in no problems all my suspension stuff I had on stock rear went right on.
Pic:
http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq229/ChasT_Photos/S60.jpg
Midwest 9-inch with new break mounts would have cost $3500 shipped. But would have came with the new torque arm.

I'm happy with my S60. I have no gear whine hell it is quieter than the stock one that was in it. But I have a M6 and your an auto you probably don't need that much of a rear. I also drive mine as much as I can when its nice out and has about 5,000 miles on it now.

[BluBeaSSt]

My rear brakes bolted right up w/ my 9,but mine is a Moser

[Hot94Z28]

My rear brakes bolted right up w/ my 9,but mine is a Moser

Don't you have to put your Moser together? I mean when I ordered my S60 all I did was put oil in it and bolt it up.

[BluBeaSSt]

Don't you have to put your Moser together? I mean when I ordered my S60 all I did was put oil in it and bolt it up.

Yes,but that's how I bought a 9 inch and only have 1600 into it,also I have a ford 3rd member

[Hot94Z28]

Yes,but that's how I bought a 9 inch and only have 1600 into it,also I have a ford 3rd member

Right on man but the third member is want cost alot isn't it? I think that is why wlsmoku went with the S60? That is if you buy new.

[Hot94Z28]

Damn the third member is not cheap at all if you buy new
http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq229/ChasT_Photos/thirdmember-1.jpg
http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq229/ChasT_Photos/thirdmember.jpg

[BluBeaSSt]

Right on man but the third member is want cost alot isn't it? I think that is why wlsmoku went with the S60? That is if you buy new.

Yeah the 3rd member is where all the pressure is,and since I work at a gear shop we had one laying around I graped up super cheap.

I'm not sure why Jerry went S60

[Hot94Z28]

Yeah the 3rd member is where all the pressure is,and since I work at a gear shop we had one laying around I graped up super cheap.

I'm not sure why Jerry went S60

Nice to have the hook up man. I would have went the same way if I was you. I work on a family farm part time so once a year I get to buy something big instead of them paying me cash. this year I pick the S60:devil:

[96LT1355Z28]

When I talked to Eric he said if I went S60 I had to send them the brake backing plates. With the 9" I used mine. All I did was bolt up the third member, slide in the axles and bolt up the brake plates (pressed between the bearings and axle ends). I did spend a little more than if i'd gone S60 but I got the full rear suspension and didn't have to modify my DS. James, I would say just call Eric, he can go over options and prices with you, he sell all 3 rears 12 bolt, S60, 9". Also all his prices are with shipping included which is nice, that way you don't figure out a final price and then add a couple hundred for shipping!

hot94z28, sounds like your ready to hit some gears with out any worries now!

[BluBeaSSt]

When I talked to Eric he said if I went S60 I had to send them the brake backing plates. With the 9" I used mine. All I did was bolt up the third member, slide in the axles and bolt up the brake plates (pressed between the bearings and axle ends). I did spend a little more than if i'd gone S60 but I got the full rear suspension and didn't have to modify my DS. James, I would say just call Eric, he can go over options and prices with you, he sell all 3 rears 12 bolt, S60, 9". Also all his prices are with shipping included which is nice, that way you don't figure out a final price and then add a couple hundred for shipping!

hot94z28, sounds like your ready to hit some gears with out any worries now!

How did you not have to mess with your DL? Did you adjust your rear wheels in? Mine has a slight vibration after 60 :(

[James Montigny]

I have to be honest guys, I started this thread more to add useful/searchable info to the board than anything else. (First sticky?)
After having seen hot94z28's purchase and talking to Jerry about his install,
I'd pretty much decided that the S60 was the way to go.

[lethal93ta]

OK Ill let you guys in on some dealer pricing since I have a hook up with moser heres what I paid for mine

housing/axle package 795
back brace welded on 113
nodular case 328
HD pinion support 98
35 spline spool 160
28 spline HD yoke 108
that was all the moser stuff the rest was from are normal dealer
Richmond 3:70 gears 190
Bearings over all 105
solid crush sleeve 18

so I built my 9 inch for around 2000 with everything all HD parts

[Hot94Z28]

hot94z28, sounds like your ready to hit some gears with out any worries now!

Hell yeah it is nice to bang gears and not worried about when the 10 bolt is going to take a shit.:jest:

[Hot94Z28]

When I talked to Eric he said if I went S60 I had to send them the brake backing plates.

No He checked for me and on 93-97 F-bodies the strange comes with the backing plates at no charge. Also on the drive shaft if your on the stock one I would be worried about it on hard launches.

[James Montigny]

No He checked for me and on 93-97 F-bodies the strange comes with the backing plates at no charge. Also on the drive shaft if your on the stock one I would be worried about it on hard launches.
Yes, you only have to provide backing plates if you want to run LS1 rear brakes.
kinda almost makes a case for me to switch back to LT1 rears LOL

[96LT1355Z28]

How did you not have to mess with your DL? Did you adjust your rear wheels in? Mine has a slight vibration after 60 :(

Do you mean DS? I set the LCA's to the same legnth as the sotck ones and everything lined up. I had a small vibration but some new u-joints and -1 pinion angle fixed it!

[96LT1355Z28]

No He checked for me and on 93-97 F-bodies the strange comes with the backing plates at no charge. Also on the drive shaft if your on the stock one I would be worried about it on hard launches.

Intresting, he told me I'd have to send in my backing plates (LT1) which was one of the reasons I steered away from the S60. That's actually what I intended on getting when I called him. Did you have to shorten your DS? He said a stock one would have to be shortened to compensate for the size of the S60. Another reason I didn't get it. It's possible he simply talked me into buying his product over somebody else's, but oh well mine can handle way more than I'll ever throw at it! I asked him about my DS and he said the stock steel one is stronger than an LS1 alunimum one and to stay with it untill I'm ready to upgrade to CM $$$. It seems to be fine so far but a CM DS would probly be a good investment.

[BluBeaSSt]

Do you mean DS? I set the LCA's to the same legnth as the sotck ones and everything lined up. I had a small vibration but some new u-joints and -1 pinion angle fixed it!

What 9inch is it again, and DL= Driveline. Also why only -1? I have mine set at -2.5

[Hot94Z28]

Intresting, he told me I'd have to send in my backing plates (LT1) which was one of the reasons I steered away from the S60. That's actually what I intended on getting when I called him. Did you have to shorten your DS? He said a stock one would have to be shortened to compensate for the size of the S60. Another reason I didn't get it. It's possible he simply talked me into buying his product over somebody else's, but oh well mine can handle way more than I'll ever throw at it! I asked him about my DS and he said the stock steel one is stronger than an LS1 alunimum one and to stay with it untill I'm ready to upgrade to CM $$$. It seems to be fine so far but a CM DS would probly be a good investment.


I got a new one with my S60. That is what is included in that $2900 price. it is a nice piece too. It looks alot beefier when it is next to the stock drive shaft.

[Hot94Z28]

Yes, you only have to provide backing plates if you want to run LS1 rear brakes.
kinda almost makes a case for me to switch back to LT1 rears LOL

And what is nice about the rear breaks is when I put my Draglite's on with no spacer and no caliper grinding.

[96LT1355Z28]

What 9inch is it again, and DL= Driveline. Also why only -1? I have mine set at -2.5

It's a Midwest Chassis fabbed 9". I use -1 because all my rear suspension is rod ended so there is very little, to no flex like you would get with bushings. There's a pic of it in my gallery.

[AChotrod]

I went with the S60 for every reason except weight!

[James Montigny]

I went with the S60 for every reason except weight!
Just ordered mine last week.
My 10-bolt died before I could even get it to the track LOL

[BluBeaSSt]

I went with the S60 for every reason except weight!

That doesn't make scene because the (inch has the Pinion Support that makes them the strongest :D

[joelster]

My S60 weighs 185lbs, which is about 20 more than the 10-bolt. It has a spool though, otherwise it would have been around the 220 mark.

[Grr]

9" with alum center here, best of all worlds with strength, ease of changing gears, and its about the same weight of a 10 bolt

[AChotrod]

That doesn't make scene because the (inch has the Pinion Support that makes them the strongest :D

Wrong.... S60 has a bigger ring and pinion and standard 35spline axles + the offset is correct and is a direct bolt in, wich makes it the strongest the most efficient and the easiest to install without the need to purchase a fully adjustable rear suspension:devil: By the time its all is said and done its also the cheapest for a complete rear.

[BluBeaSSt]

Wrong.... S60 has a bigger ring and pinion and standard 35spline axles + the offset is correct and is a direct bolt in, wich makes it the strongest the most efficient and the easiest to install without the need to purchase a fully adjustable rear suspension:devil: By the time its all is said and done its also the cheapest for a complete rear.


Really? I build my 9 inch with a Carrier for 1600....thats everything

[AChotrod]

you built yours, you couldnt buy a direct 100% bolt in (as in a completey assembled rear) for that.

[joelster]

My S60 was just under $2000, 35 spline upgraded axles, bigger wheel studs, optional aluminum cover, spool. The spool saved me about $350.

[casper383]

Moser 12bolt ftw, i have cut a 1.32 short time on a 100 hit with a 3300lb raceweight, i plan on being in the 1.2x on a 200 hit

[BluBeaSSt]

Moser 12bolt ftw, i have cut a 1.32 short time on a 100 hit with a 3300lb raceweight, i plan on being in the 1.2x on a 200 hit

Your an Auto car, the word is M6's like to twist the housing due to the TA

[Firebat]

Really? I build my 9 inch with a Carrier for 1600....thats everything

How did you build one for that much?

[z28rob18]

i picked up my moser 9" with a detroit locker 33 spline axels in a package deal with other parts i figured i spent about 1200 on the rear.