Moser M9
Let's turn our focus to another GMHTP project car, this one owned by yours truly. Ever since completing the installation of its 383-cube LS1 stroker motor back in 2006, my project 2001 Trans Am has been in sore need of a strong axle assembly (and we've been hinting that one has been on the way for some time). The wait has paid off, big time: Moser Engineering is stepping in with one of its M9 Bolt-In Housings, which is a new, high-strength twist on the venerable Ford 9-inch. These stylish housings don't just look pretty, they are made to meet the demands of high-horsepower applications. Featuring 1/8-inch, laser-cut mild steel construction, the central part of the M9 is fabricated from one triangulated piece of metal-meaning it's not only very strong, but also very unique-looking. Our unit also includes an optional back brace (which extends from the center part of the housing and tapers toward the ends of the axle tubes), an item that adds strength and makes the M9 look even meaner. The price of $1,915 gets you a powdercoated housing along with axles, bearings, and hardware-plus Moser's new uniquely matched torque arm system, which the company claims is the "strongest torque arm assembly on the planet!" This fully adjustable unit is made from 4130 chrome-moly and is 100 percent TIG-welded. It also comes with a new transmission crossmember made from the same material. Though the system is technically not designed with street applications in mind, we're going to push the limits with this road-going T/A and see if we can get away with it!
Let's not forget that the 9-inch design uses a removable centersection (also called a "case," or "pumpkin"). Moser sells a nodular one with a spool for $1,195, and this includes a heavy-duty pinion support and 1350 yoke, as well as the gear ratio of your choice. Since this car sees primarily street duty, we chose a Truetrac diff to replace the spool, which ups the price another $305. Because the M9 is shipped in a less-assembled state, we'll spend some more time on the details of how it goes together than how it actually installs into the car (which basically mimics the installation of Jensen's Strange S60 that you just saw). Let's get the installation of this bad beauty going!
 Here's everything that Moser...  Here's everything that Moser included with our M9. You can see (in no particular order) the housing, axles, centersection, bearings, torque arm, transmission crossmember, trans mount relocation plate, driveshaft U-clamps, seals, and bags of miscellaneous hardware. Brake backing plates are not included, but almost all additional necessary hardware is. Though not beyond the capabilities of many DIYers, novices should leave this installation to the professional. |  Here's the Trans Am's stock...  Here's the Trans Am's stock rear. You'd look like a deer in the headlights, too, if you were about to get yanked and tossed aside! Getting it out is pretty straightforward, and since you just saw the removal of one on Jensen's Camaro, we will be giving it the short treatment-and we'll highlight the few distinctions that exist due to this car's four-channel ABS system (yes, I like my vehicles with traction control). By the way, though not currently available on the M9, Moser says compatibility with three-channel systems is coming soon. |  The four-channel system uses...  The four-channel system uses two ABS sensors-one in each backing plate-that actually can stay put for now as their harness is coming off with the rear. However, we unplug these sensors now for clarity (white plug hanging). Then, the parking brake cables are disconnected. Possibly the best method is to squeeze the tabs and remove the cable from the LCA bracket first (to give more slack), then pull its end off of the lever sticking out of the backing plate. |