To complete our rear suspension, we'll be installing Mopar Performance Super Stock leaf springs, an adjustable pinion snubber, and Strange double adjustable rear shocks. This is not an exotic setup, but a reliable suspension package that should get our project car hooking up well enough for some sub-1.50-second sixty-foot times. But enough about theory, let's install our new rearend.
 One of the many improvements...  One of the many improvements Strange has made over the factory Dana 60 design is the addition of adjuster nuts to set preload and backlash. This makes the process far easier than the trial-and-error shim method, which must be used to set backlash on the factory-style Dana 60 rearend. |  The front bearing journal...  The front bearing journal of the pinion gear was polished before the bearing was pressed in place, and the pinion gear was installed in the housing. |  With the components installed...  With the components installed and the main bearing caps torqued to 80 lb-ft, the backlash is checked using a dial indicator. If the backlash was not within the 0.008- to 0.010-inch range, the adjuster nuts are used to achieve the required tolerance. |
 The gear contact pattern was...  The gear contact pattern was checked by painting several teeth of the ring gear with marking compound. The ideal contact pattern is a central pattern on the drive side of the tooth, or shifted slightly towards the toe or inside diameter of the ring gear. The contact pattern is adjusted by changing backlash or placing shims under the rear pinion bearing race. |  To determine the thickness...  To determine the thickness of the pinion preload shim, Strange uses a technique that saves time and effort. By placing a piece of 0.090-inch flux core solder around the pinion, and installing it and torquing the yoke until 25 lb/in of drag is achieved, the solder is crushed to the thickness of the required shims. The assembly is then disassembled, and shims of the proper thickness take the place of the solder. |  Once all the tolerances were...  Once all the tolerances were setup, a billet yoke was installed, again using Loctite. We opted for a 1350 series universal joint, commonly used in full ton or bigger trucks, because of its strength and durability. Strange will build your rearend with a factory-style yoke if desired. |
 We opted for Strange's 40...  We opted for Strange's 40 spline, solid race axles for our build and also upgraded to 51/48-inch wheel studs. These studs are basically unbreakable, but must be used with aftermarket wheels as they won't fit in the bolt holes of factory wheels. Strange uses nonadjustable sealed bearings on all their axles. |  Once built, the cover was...  Once built, the cover was installed and the rearend was crated up and ready to ship. When received, we'll simply be able to bolt on our brakes, bolt the rearend in place, and be ready for the track. |  In the interest of our budget,...  In the interest of our budget, we decided not to have our rearend powdercoated, but rather to paint it ourselves to keep the bare metal from rusting. |