The Rear Gear: A Podcast by Redbird Speed

Redbird Speed
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  • AUTOMOTIVE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Rear Gear aims to educate automobile enthusiasts on rear end parts from custom street cars, drag racing, autocross, and everything in between. Our knowledge is in housings, axles, differential parts, and brakes. We will share technical knowledge, product information, and interviews. We want to save you time, money, and headache throughout your build. Thanks for listening.

  1. 10/28/2022

    S1E16 Ordering a 9" Ford - Questions, Considerations, Pitfalls to Avoid

    In this episode, we discuss the 9" Ford rear end and mistakes to avoid when ordering parts. First, the type of rear. The 9" is a great rear and I won't talk you out of it. We discuss the width of the rear in conjunction with the suspension and wheels you are using. Next, make sure the spline count of the axles are appropriate for the intended use of the vehicle. You will want to make sure the housing ends and brakes are going to match up also. This is something you will want to think ahead on too. Will you be wanting to do a Baer or Wilwood Brakes swap in the near future? Make sure there is going to be aftermarket support for your future brakes. Center section material, spool, posi, limited slip differentials, yokes, and gear ratios are all important for the purpose of the rear. Consider the future suspension options on your vehicle. Be careful telling your technician that its "stock" when you have plans to run split mono leaf or coil-overs at the drag strip. Often times there are other brackets needed to accomodate these options. Match the studs in the rear axles to the after market front brakes. Many manufacturers are using 1/2"-20 studs on the fronts. You don't want to order stock 7/16, 12mm, 14mm on the rear to find out they don't match.  There are a lot of options when ordering a rear like this. It doesn't need to be intimidating. Be cautious in dealing with a big box store that doesn't specialize in drive train components. These are all made to order and can be optioned accordingly. Do not settle for a part numbered package when you have have it made to fit your exact needs for the same money. If you want to talk about a rear for your vehicle, don't be afraid to reach out.   9” Ford Complete Rear Ends or Housing/Axle Packages https://www.redbirdspeed.com/9inchrears Looking for a 9" Ford Center section? We have assembled third members: https://www.redbirdspeed.com/center-sections Need new axles, bearings and studs? https://www.redbirdspeed.com/axles  Redbird Speed Tech Page - There is a picture of the housing ends and their dimensions discussed on our tech page.  https://www.redbirdspeed.com/tech    Looking for a complete rear end? Shop by Application - Camaro, Chevelle, Nova, G-Body, C10, Silverado, S10, Tri 5 1955-1957 Chevy, Impala, Caprice, Mustang, Mopar, Baer Brakes, Wilwood Brakes, and more https://www.redbirdspeed.com/store  Housing Ends, T-Bolts, Retainer Plates https://www.redbirdspeed.com/housing-ends-t-bolts-retainer-plates  Differential Parts https://www.redbirdspeed.com/differentialparts Find us on Facebook at Redbird Speed LLC or Instagram at @redbirdspeed Join us if you would like to learn what we have to offer, connect with others, or ask a question about your application. www.redbirdspeed.com As always, thank you for your support! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to keep up with the latest from our team.  Like what your hearing? Search us on YouTube for a lot of technical videos.

    26 min

  2. 08/23/2022

    S1E15 Using Explorer Disc Brakes for your Project

    In this episode, we discuss how you can use a set of Explorer disc brakes on a build with bolt in style axles. This setup uses a Big Ford New Style Torino housing end, axle, 1 piece press on ball bearing, shim, and retainer plate. If you have any questions on how this stacks up do not hesitate to reach out to us. These are great for a mild hot rod or street car. Replacement parts like pads and calipers are easily obtained.  As a bonus, using a Torino end with a common 2 1/2" brake offset leaves you with endless kits offered from almost every brake manufacturer if you're looking to upgrade in the future.  Also, if you're looking for information on how to measure axles or a housing check out Redbird Speed - Tech Information. We have some resources available here and we are only a phone call away.  Find us on Facebook at Redbird Speed LLC or Instagram at @redbirdspeed Join us if you would like to learn what we have to offer, connect with others, or ask a question about your application. www.redbirdspeed.com As always, thank you for your support! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to keep up with the latest from our team.

    6 min

  3. 08/16/2022

    S1E14 Lighten Up! How and when to save weight on your rear and brakes.

    In this episode, we discuss lightening options for your housing, axles, differential parts, and brakes. We discuss purpose built cars for drag racing, autocross, circle track, road racing, and street use. There are times where lightening your parts is critical to save weight. There are also times where you should not be sacrificing strength for weight.  Axles Gun DrillScalloped FlangeLightening Holes Housings 3/16" vs 1/4" Tube Stock12 Bolt OEM castings vs Aftermarket over built castings9" Ford Big Web Cans vs Fabricated Cans Differential Parts Aluminum vs Nodular Iron CasesAluminum Yokes and SpoolsLightened Ring Gears Brakes Light Weight Drag Brakes vs 14" 6 Piston Autocross BrakesBrake Fade vs Stopping Power Find us on Facebook at Redbird Speed LLC or Instagram at @redbirdspeed Join us if you would like to learn what we have to offer, connect with others, or ask a question about your application. www.redbirdspeed.com As always, thank you for your support! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to keep up with the latest from our team.

    14 min

  4. 08/09/2022

    S1E13 Housing Ends, Brakes, Brake Offset, and B Dimension - How these all work together...

    In this episode, we discuss Housing Ends, Brakes, and the B Dimension. There are a lot of different housing ends to accommodate a variety of brake kits. These range from small Ford, Big Ford, Big Ford New Style Torino, 8.8 Mustang, 10/12 Bolt GM (Camaro, Chevelle, Nova), Large GM Pre 87 Truck, 8 3/4, Dana 60 5 Hole Mopar Ends, Olds/Pontiac, and Lamb Symmetrical. Typically, new construction is going to be manufactured with a Torino - New Style Late Ford end from most manufactures. These  items need to work together. Don't let this intimidate you, if you have questions just give us a call. When building a 12 bolt, 9 inch, or Dana 60 you need to know what your plans are for drum or disc brake kit. The housing ends and B dimension on the axle need to work in unison to make sure they work together and you end up with the correct brake offset. Check us out at Redbird Speed - Tech Information . We have dimensions on housing ends. Also, the how to measure axle video contains helpful information on measuring the B Dimension on your existing axle shafts.  Find us on Facebook at Redbird Speed LLC or Instagram at @redbirdspeed Join us if you would like to learn what we have to offer, connect with others, or ask a question about your application. www.redbirdspeed.com As always, thank you for your support! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to keep up with the latest from our team.

    11 min

  5. 07/13/2022

    S1E12 Narrowing Your Rear End

    In this episode, we discuss narrowing the rear end on your vehicle. This can include mini tubbed pro touring applications, drag cars,  mini trucks and more. We get into questions like how much can I narrow my rear? We cover information about suspension brackets/lower control arm mounts and distance to housing ends, how to measure, things to consider, and industry trends. Deep dish wheels are the new trend. Find out what you need to know to fit them into the wheel well. Big tires under a drag car will also require a rear more narrow than stock also. Contact us to talk further about your specific application.  Find us on Facebook at Redbird Speed LLC or Instagram at @redbirdspeed Join us if you would like to learn what we have to offer, connect with others, or ask a question about your application. www.redbirdspeed.com As always, thank you for your support! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to keep up with the latest from our team.

    8 min

  6. 06/30/2022

    S1E11 Freshen Up Your Rear End

    In this episode, we discuss options for factory rears like the 10 Bolt, 12 bolt, 8.8, or any stock rear. We cover some options such as fresh axles, bearings, studs, gear, posi traction differentials, spool, eliminators, aluminum girdle rear covers, welding the tubes to your housing, and even swapping your c-clips ends for bolt-in style ends. There is a lot you can do for your stock rear to strengthen it and reduce gear deflection. Contact us if you would like to discuss how these types of parts might work for you and your application. We are here to help.  Find us on Facebook at Redbird Speed LLC or Instagram at @redbirdspeed Join us if you would like to learn what we have to offer, connect with others, or ask a question about your application. www.redbirdspeed.com As always, thank you for your support! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to keep up with the latest from our team.

    10 min

  7. 05/17/2022

    S1E10 Ordering a 12 Bolt - Questions, Considerations, and Pitfalls to Avoid

    In this episode, we discuss the 12 Bolt Chevy Rear. We cover when its appropriate, spline size, bolt in vs c clip, posi traction differentials, gear ratio, yokes, rear covers, brakes, stud size, suspension options, and many other custom options.  If you're ordering a rear and the person you're talking to isn't asking you questions about power level, how you're using your vehicle, what you plan on using for brakes, are you using aftermarket suspension, with your wheel and tire combo does it need narrowed, or many other options... RED FLAG! Listen to this podcast to make sure you cover all of your bases.  Find us on Facebook at Redbird Speed LLC or Instagram at @redbirdspeed Join us if you would like to learn what we have to offer, connect with others, or ask a question about your application. www.redbirdspeed.com As always, thank you for your support! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to keep up with the latest from our team.

    22 min

  8. 05/10/2022

    S1E9 Street Gears vs. Pro Gears

    In this episode, we discuss the differences between 8620 Street Gears and 9310 Pro Gears. We cover when you can use these gears and the appropriate application. Do you have a street car or a drag car? There is a fine line between race car and street car and the horsepower levels that are achievable today.  Find us on Facebook at Redbird Speed LLC or Instagram at @redbirdspeed Join us if you would like to learn what we have to offer, connect with others, or ask a question about your application. www.redbirdspeed.com As always, thank you for your support! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to keep up with the latest from our team.

    6 min
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About

The Rear Gear aims to educate automobile enthusiasts on rear end parts from custom street cars, drag racing, autocross, and everything in between. Our knowledge is in housings, axles, differential parts, and brakes. We will share technical knowledge, product information, and interviews. We want to save you time, money, and headache throughout your build. Thanks for listening.

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