1966 Chevy Nova Rearend Build - Differential

Bobby employs the use of a Porta-Band portable band saw to carefully cut down the axle tubes in a squared off manner.
Bobby employs the use of a Porta-Band portable band saw to carefully cut down the axle tub
Once the tubes are cut down, the edges are beveled to make room for a thick, penetrating weld.
Once the tubes are cut down, the edges are beveled to make room for a thick, penetrating w
Next, the housing end and alignment bushing are prepared for use on the straight bar. This process is critical because the finished product must be perfectly straight in order for the axles, bearings, and differential to properly align.
Next, the housing end and alignment bushing are prepared for use on the straight bar. This

Before sliding the bar completely through the rear housing, Bobby uses this old 9-inch case with alignment bushings residing in place of what would normally be the carrier bearings. This ensures that alignment from the axle-housing end to the differential is straight all the way through to the opposing side.
Before sliding the bar completely through the rear housing, Bobby uses this old 9-inch cas
Once mounted to the rear, the housing is set square to earth at a 90-degree angle. This will assist with the clocking of the housing ends.
Once mounted to the rear, the housing is set square to earth at a 90-degree angle. This wi
Now that all bushings, housing ends, and the straight bar are in place, Bobby applies a series of spot welds to the housing ends to position it and keep it square against heat expansion.
Now that all bushings, housing ends, and the straight bar are in place, Bobby applies a se

Once satisfied with the placement, a smaller penetrating pass is made, being careful not to overheat the metal, which may distort.
Once satisfied with the placement, a smaller penetrating pass is made, being careful not t
Finally Bobby gives it a final penetrating pass in a wide format for strength. All components are being TIG-welded-better than MIG welding, which can lead to cold pass inconsistencies (bad penetration).
Finally Bobby gives it a final penetrating pass in a wide format for strength. All compone
The straight bar is easily removed, indicating that all is properly aligned. It's now time to install the Strange Engineering Pro Iron third member, complete as ordered with a Detroit Locker and 3.90-ratio street gears. The Iron unit is plenty strong-able to handle the extreme loads we plan on throwing at it.
The straight bar is easily removed, indicating that all is properly aligned. It's now time

The street gear is harder than a race gear and will not wear as easily. Since this Nova will slay the street, road course and even a little drag action, we opted for the Detroit Locker for its reliability and slip capabilities when turning.
The street gear is harder than a race gear and will not wear as easily. Since this Nova wi
Now that the third member has been installed, it's time to install the Strange S/T Series 35-spline axles-complete with bearings and 1/2-inch studs-along with Wilwood's SL4R radius mount with incorporated emergency brake mechanism. The S/T series axles contain a massive 1.5-inch shaft diameter and come with a three-year guarantee against spline breakage. You can't beat that!
Now that the third member has been installed, it's time to install the Strange S/T Series
The Wilwood radius mount provides two planes of caliper adjustment and is complete with competition-grade fasteners.
The Wilwood radius mount provides two planes of caliper adjustment and is complete with co