Now that we're in the off season I'm planning upgrades for next year. One of the things I need to do is beef up the rear end in my car now that it's beginning to hook a little better (plus I need to be "legal and safe").

Right now I'm running the stock 12 bolt 3 series carrier rear with an Eaton posi track unit and Moser C-clip style axles. I'm considering switching to a spool and bigger axles. My posi unit has 4 years, ~8,000 hard street miles and a couple hundred passes on it. I priced out a complete setup from Moser, 12 bolt with spool at $1,685 plus shipping. My question is would it make more sense (and save $$$) to just convert my rear end? I know that I could have the axle tubes cut and install c-clip eliminators, but I'm hesitant to do that since this is the original housing for my car ( I may want to return it to stock some day). I've heard of people using Ford press on bearings but I'm not sure what's required for that setup? I have never setup a rear end myself but would be willing to give it a shot.

So basically my questions are:

- What's the best axles retention device, c-clip elimnator, Ford press on bearing, other?
- Spool or rebuild the posi unit?
- New rear housing or can I use the existing one without cutting the tubes?
- My rear end uses a 3 series carrier, is this an issue with a spool?

I should also mention that the axle tubes aren't welded on the rear end now, and it's already been powder coated (mistake not doing that ahead of time in hindsight).

Any and all advise is appreciated smile.gif

I doubt you'll ever bring it back to original, but if thats a concern of yours then you need a new housing.

C-clip eliminators require you to cut the housing, as well as ford style housing ends.

Ford housing ends are not something that most can tackle, when i set up mine i brought it to work, we set up an align boring jig in the housing to have the housing ends exactly in line with the bearing caps, and my dad welded them on.

Ken, i went with the complete moser 12 bolt. series 4, 33 spline and 4.11 gears. 11" ford breaks, heavy duty cover and larger yoke, 3"x1/2 screw in studs. "BE ADVISED" the moser axil relocates the upper control arm ears 7/8". its also a much, much heavier piece than the stock unit. Dave

If it were me, I would sell the axles/carrier/posi on ebay. Buy the strange 31 spline axles (don't go any larger) with their full spool (it takes the place of the carrier), and also the strange street C-clip eliminators (they don't leak). Do it your self since we racers need something to do in the winter! :D
New parts$800.00 - $300.00 from eBay sale Total cost $500.00.

Also the Strange 31 spline is allot heavier than the stock, that's why I say "don't go any larger" They don't require any mods but they are very beefy. I would recomend ordering right from Strange (that way you get their support) and have them press the bearings on the axles before shipping!

That’s what I did last year and I am very pleased with the results. I have a tape that walks you through setting up the ring and pinion. I'll send it to you if you want.

Ken,

If returning your car to stock some day is a concern, I'd suggest buying the whole Moser 12 bolt rear. This way you could keep your stock rear as it is, then re-install it at a later date and not hurt the value.

The only down side is a slightly higher cost of buying thw whole new rear, but you've already spent this much... lol.

FWIW ... if you decide to install C-clip eliminators ,definitely go the Strange style as Gateway suggests they use a different type of bearing than the Moser and others and can handle side loads better....hence no leaks .... originality unless your going to build a Gold Class car the small pc of axle tube you cut off to add the eliminator bearing is hidden and will never be seen unless you remove your brake drums at a show ... I think Gateway is right on

I think the value will be increased with the upgraded parts. Posi units, axles, carriers and housings are readily available and can always be obtained.

Around here a "strip" finished 12 bolt goes for about $1800-2000 and a nice complete stock posi goes for about $800.00

those early 12 bolts are getting hard to find these days. if it were me i would find another housing.

ken i am useing c clip eleminators on my nova and i have had no leaks for three years now but if i was doing it again i would use the ford ends or olds .i think it would be cheaper in the long run.as was said the 4 series spool will fit any 12 bolt car housing.i would get screw in studs for your axles to .moser axles are cheaper in price than strange and are probable just as good. my buddy sent his rear to mosier and they naroowed it for him and fixed his axles also i think it was 75 dallars to do the housing im sure they could fix the ends for you and you know they would be right.i think i would find a differt housing if you want to keep yours orignal.if you cant find one i have a 70to 72 housing that will work if you are changing ends they can fix it to any lenth