Lightened ring gears

[AlanCasida]

I have been looking at some of the NASCAR third members on Ebay and some of them have lightened ring gears. Are there any issues with running those on the street and drag strip in a car the will only run 11s at best?

[jayb]

I don't know, but I've got to believe that if they are good enough for NASCAR racing, they should be fine on the street in a mild performance application.  Are you going to be running slicks at any point?  I'd worry about shock loads on the lightened gears, if anything...

[machoneman]

I'd not hesitate to run lightened gears except in a drag race only car. However, if you've set up your street/strip car to have a quiet exhaust system and whiny gear noises drive you nuts, I'd take a pass. Re-setting used gears to both get the best 'path' and minimal noise can't be easy...unless you feeling lucky!   

[AlanCasida]

I am not looking to buy just a ring and pinion but a complete,already set up third member. They have some decent deals as they come with an N case and Detroit locker.

[jayb]

If they are already set up and the price is right, go for it - Jay

[machoneman]

Ah, an already set-up 3rd member...no gear path dialing in needed then. 2X to what Jay said then.

[AlanCasida]

The more I think about it, I don't think it will make all that much difference. The only reason the ring gear gets thicker is to make up the difference of the smaller diameter pinion. They just relieve the back side. I can get a 4.00 or 4.30 third member, ready to go from Roush-Yates for about $750. That includes an N case and Locker.