9 inch center section?

[spookie]

Installing new Strange aluminum center section.What is the best way to seal it to housing? How tight should nuts be to housing? Thanks for any help. Happy new year,lets RACE.

[FEDNV]

Which model did you end up getting?  I will be buying a new 3rd member and axles soon and strange has a few choices.

[dreracecar]

If you buy from Strange, make sure you get them to fit the axles into the spool before shipment--Thats all.

I have seen both gaskets and sealer used when installing the center section and have different theorys.
Sealer if you dont plan to take it out often and are meticulou when you do to make sure all the sealer is removed. Also dont be a pig about it and use half a cartrage of sealer on it.
Gaskets are good and some even come with a sealing stripe to make them even better, a little gaska-sinch and you are good to go.
Running a gasket moves the center section forward and that in-turn makes the tires toe-out ever so slightly, but since the tires toe-in during excelleration it evens things up.
Before installing the center section-- looking at the housing from the front - The 2 studs to the right of the top bolt should be replaced with bolts( requires an insert to be installed) or at minimum trimmed down to the top of the nut. They have a nasty habit of digging into your calf/drivers suit and if you wear boots, get caught climbing out

[spookie]

I orded Strange #PRF160 with spool 31 spline axle. Old factory unit after 13 years cracked at inside pinion bearing. With 1.24 60fts 5.60s 1/8mi.Ithink this should hold up

[FEDNV]

Spookie I just pulled all the splines out of my 31 spline aluminum spool and while out found the pinion area had a huge crack.  Not sure how much power you are putting down but everyone is suggesting a 33 or 35 spline.  I am going to go with a lightweight steel spool this time.

[masracingtd1167]

If you use the Strange Alluminum carrier with 3/8 bolts make sure your bolts or studs are long enough to go all the way in . When  you use things like a pinion support or coupler cover bolted to the pinion support you need a longer bolt or stud . I found this out the hard way and toe the pinion support right out of mine ! It was a stupid mistake to make and I thought I would pass this along .As far as the gasket try your center section with and without the gasket and see how your axles go in . On my housing my axles bind a little with a gasket and not at all without so I just use silicone on mine but it is something you should check .