Buick Turbo Framerail Modification - Power Trip

Jack test-fits an axle to ensure that the splines are all the way seated in the Eaton posi. They are, as evidenced by the brown end of the axle.

There are two original backing plate holes-Jack enlarges them to 3/8 inch.

With the backing plate installed, you'll notice that the inner C-clip bearing housing hits a ridge on the top of the backing plate. This is ground down so the housing fits flush.

The housing is placed and the two bottom bolts go in. Now he can see where the two top holes need to be, and he marks them. The housing is removed and the two holes are drilled (some minor grinding may be needed for the housing bolts to line up perfectly). Finally, a gasket is put onto the end flange, the backing plate follows, another gasket is placed, and the housing is put on over it.

This is the outer hub/bearing assembly on the Strange axle. Traditional C-clip eliminator kits use a ball bearing setup with the seal built in. As it is low-friction, it is great for drag racing but doesn't handle side loads well, and can pop the seal out and leak. JC at Strange gave me the lowdown on their bearing setup, which utilizes a tapered unit bearing (cone-type roller), and handles the side loads better in street/road race/oval track use, as well as drag racing. The seals actually press into the aluminum halves, so don't see the side load, and are less prone to leak. I'll let you know how they do.

The outer hub/bearing assembly goes on, with the axle slipping into the Eaton posi. The four bolts thread into the housing and are tightened to 40 ft-lbs. I requested 1/2-inch-20 by 3-inch studs, as shown here. The drum brake assembly is reinstalled.

To make these axles work with a Turbo Buick, two mods had to be made. Jack drilled the brake drum's wheel stud holes slightly larger than 1/2 inch, and used a grinder on the center hub to remove approximately 1/16 inch, so they would slip on with no problems.

Also, the e-brake equalizer bar needs to be bent slightly and ground down around .050 inch to clear the new C-clip eliminator and the wheel cylinder.

Time to install the TA cover. Brian first coats the differential and the gasket with RTV, as he's had trouble with all rear covers leaking without it. The gasket is placed.