With modern engines available such as GM's LS series 350 and 454 engines or Ford's Lightning 5.0, 4.6, and 5.8L motors being a popular choice for today's truck enthusiast, the ever-growing need to beef up our rear axle is a big one. As the horsepower and torque are greatly increased, the life expectancy of the stock rear end looks very grim. This is not saying that you couldn't improve on your stock axle's internals but, if it's not mass produced, prices and parts might be out of your reach. This is where a choice of what axlehousing comes into play, like GM's 12-bolt, Ford's 9-inch, and Dana 44 and 60. Among these axles a wide array of gear sets are available to choose from, but the Ford 9-inch has been one of the most popular choices when it comes to price and availability of parts-plus they are very strong.
When it came down to a rear end, I decided on the Currie Enterprises 9-Plus heavy-duty round-back housing with 31-spline performance axles and a TSD limited slip. The third member case is also Currie's 9-Plus nodular Sportsman case with 9-Plus nodular iron big bearing pinion support and nodular 1350 yoke.
Currie has made improvements to the stock axlehousing design by increasing the overall thickness of the housing material and thicker material where the front flange bolts up to the third member. The Currie nodular third member case also has a thicker mating surface where the gear case mates to the axlehousing. Currie increased the material thickness around the pocket bearing where stock Ford cases were weak and beefed up the ribs on the exterior. These changes help the third member case and housing remain relatively light but dramatically increase the overall structural strength. This gives me peace of mind when I decide to hammer the gas pedal at the dragstrip, and the rear end is able to handle the abuse.
Here Ruben carefully presses the carrier bearing onto the limited slip.
It is ideal that you measure and record the following: tire height, transmission, motor, and what type of application you will be using your vehicle for before contacting Currie. I measured the tires fully inflated and explained what transmission/engine combo I was using and also the type of driving I was going to be doing. My desired cruising rpm was around 2,100-2,300 at 70 mph so a 3.25 gear set was ideal for the lower-profile Coker Tires, Plus I wanted to go on long trips without revving the motor too much. You can contact Currie Enterprises about inquires and the many options of housings and gear sets available for your project truck by phone at 714-367-2238 or visit their website at www.currieenterprises.com.
