Pro gear life
 

I have a 3300lb,9 inch tire 68 Camaro,4-speed, that I shift w/o the clutch.Runs mid to high 9's. It has a complete Strange 12-bolt,spool,pro gears, support cover.I'm looking for estimates on gear life and what to look for when I pull the cover off.As always,thank you.

Re: Pro gear life
 

What gear ratio? Big or small block? I ran 4.88's they lasted around 75 runs with the stick. When I pulled the cover, the teeth started developing cracks on the ring gear. 3400 pound car leaving around 5k. Running 10.60's

Re: Pro gear life
 

Try these guys for gears:

Dewco

(765) 962-7201

Re: Pro gear life
 

Big block,4.56's.I leave between 5400 and 5900,soft-loc clutch.

Re: Pro gear life
 

You might also talk to Tom's Differentials in ID - http://www.tomsdifferentials.com/


HIs heat treating process usually doubles 12 bolt gear life. Cracks on the ring gear teeth are not as much to be concerned about as cracks on the pinion.

Re: Pro gear life
 

I just replaced my Richmond 4.56 12 bolt pro gear, 3250 lb bbc stick, no special treating, carefully setup originally. low 10 sec stocker I got over 250 runs out of it. I like to set them up about .001 deep, keep the pinion bearing on the high side preloadwise, and usually .003-.005 lash

hope that helps

Re: Pro gear life
 

Try Mach Development for gear coating.
520-568-3511

Re: Pro gear life
 

I have a Richmond pro gear I have been running in the Cuda since 1991. I change oil in it every other year and it still looks great. It is the best thing I ever bought for the car.

Re: Pro gear life
 

I use a steel cover and weld a pipe plug in a position where you can see the teeth. They usually give a warning before they fail . ---Trevor

Re: Pro gear life
 

I had 2900lbs. nova 355 nash 5 speed 3.25 1st 5.57 rear had 12 bolt all MW axles, spool,steel caps, ran 6.12-6.20 1/8 60' 1.26-1.28 usually got about 35-50 runs.
My problem was that the pinion would bend and lose backlash on one side and backlash be loose when pinion was turned 180 degrees. once I figured out what was going on by accident was pushing car and could barely push then would free up then bind again. would keep a check on it by checking backlash on gears just by jacking up and feeling of it at driveshaft.
I believe it did this because 12 bolt not having support on rear of pinion like a 9'' does
I had Mc Leod soft loc and normally ran 300-400lbs base on pressure plate and no counterweight added to levers.
Mike Taylor 3601