Selecting the best components to use for a driveline can be likened to a balancing act. We know that employing the biggest, beefiest parts available will ensure maximum durability. But by the same token, a weight penalty comes with using...MORE
The question pops up all the time; “Why are modular aluminum rear end housings better than OEM-type stamped steel 9" housings or fabricated steel housings?” It’s certainly a valid question, given that costs typically enter the equation...MORE
There are several factors that go into driveshaft selection. In order of importance they are strength, critical speed, and weight. Selecting the proper driveshaft means taking a deeper look at the requirements of every application, because every...MORE
From a distance, all axles pretty much look alike; splines on one end and a flange on the other. In the eyes of some racers, axles are nothing more than a basic commodity item and price is their main concern. But in reality, there are important...MORE
When it comes time to purchase a driveshaft the first question is usually “Steel or Aluminum?” The answer to that question requires considering three other factors: horsepower, vehicle weight, and driveshaft length. Obviously, in...MORE
There are a different set of demands placed on braking systems, be they used for daily driving on the street or in competition. Oval track and road racing vehicles are concerned with slowing down for corners and repeating the cycle...MORE
One of the most important aspects of employing aftermarket axles is the ability to replace OEM axle bearings with larger heavy-duty components. The bearings, after all, are subjected to tremendous forces during acceleration as the axle is...MORE
Most everyone in racing is acutely aware of the fact that reducing vehicle weight translates into improved performance. Many drag racing classes are structured by weight to engine displacement or weight to rated horsepower. But while...MORE
The question often arises, “Am I better off buying a complete 3rd member assembly or should I just buy the parts, set it up myself, and save some money. Fair question, to be sure. So let’s look at both sides of the equation. To properly set...MORE
Most of the driveshafts manufactured by Mark Williams Enterprises —the exceptions being those designed for street use— meet or exceed SFI Spec 43.1. This is an indicator as to the product’s suitability for racing, and you’ll find a special...MORE
When it comes to selecting the optimum type of disc brake to employ there are a number of factors to contend with. Also, most drag cars use 16" or 15" diameter front and rear wheels and the brakes must fit within this envelope....MORE
For a dedicated drag car that goes in a straight line it’s pretty much a no-brainer that a spool is the way to go. With torque applied equally to both rear wheels, it makes a turn the rear end is “fighting” it, as opposed to a car equipped with...MORE
The question pops up all the time; “Why are modular aluminum rear end housings better than OEM-type stamped steel 9" housings or fabricated steel housings?” It’s certainly a valid question, given that costs typically....MORE
One of the most important factors in the performance and subsequent service life of key disc brake components is proper alignment. If the caliper is offset in respect to the rotor position even slightly it will cause uneven pad wear —not to....MORE
When selecting the kind of axles to use in your race car (or street machine) there are several factors to contend with. They include determining how much of a load will be placed on the axles at launch, driveline weight considerations, and budget....MORE
It would seem that keeping wheels attached to race cars is of prime importance. Yet there have been many recorded instances where drive wheels have come loose; sometimes with dire consequences. When a car launches, there are....MORE
There are many parameters to consider when it comes to selecting a driveshaft for your race car. These include the length of the shaft, the critical speed it will attain, the tube material type and size, the U-joint type, class requirements and budget...MORE
These days more and more race cars are being built with full-floater rear ends. Clearly that’s good from a safety standpoint, given that in case of an axle failure a wheel cannot come off the car. This factor alone makes a full-floating rear end a wise...MORE
You might think that all axles are essentially the same in material, design and manufacturing ˜but you'd be quite wrong. There are actually important differences in the materials used, how they are heat treated, the machining processes employed and...MORE
One of the most important yet often misunderstood elements of any racecar is the braking system. Racers employ a disc brake system, which is made up of calipers at each wheel, brake lines, a master cylinder and a brake pedal or lever. The key...MORE
The proverbial “800 pound gorilla” in any race car is torque. Most knowledgeable engine builders know it’s torque that wins drag races—not horsepower. And transmitting the engine’s torque to the ground is largely the responsibility of the driveline...MORE
While driveshafts provide the critical link between the engine/transmission and rear end in most vehicles with suspensions, dragsters, etc. with solid-mounted rear ends will rely on couplers. Obviously there are similarities in function...MORE
With Springtime upon us, it’s a signal for racers in many parts of the country to get ready to hit their friendly local drag strip. That said, there are a number of inspections you should be doing to ensure that your race car is 100% safe from...MORE
When it comes to ordering a pair of axles for your race car there is often a lot more to it than meets the eye. The following will give some insight into the information needed to order new axles and what to expect during the ordering process...MORE
Back in 1687 Sir Isaac Newton published his Three Laws of Motion. Newton’s Third Law, which essentially says, “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction,” certainly comes to bear in terms of rear end housing dynamics. We know that when...MORE
There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to setting up and measuring for a U-joint equipped drive shaft. While the driveshaft allows for movement of the rear end there are also important operating angles and shaft length criteria that must be...MORE
One of the primary reasons why the 9" Ford rear end has come to dominate drag racing is the ease with which thirdmembers with various ring & pinion gear ratios can be installed. The aftermarket has responded to this by offering a plethora of ratios...MORE
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