Dana 60 S60 or Ford 9"

FWIW-
I changed to a 9” a couple years ago. I run low 9’s with a 4 speed and basically what you describe. I usually run 4.88 to 5.13 ratio and in a Dana when I broke a set after 12 years in 2016 it was a 6 mo wait for pro gears. I tried a set of street gears that lasted 6 passes. I eventually found some used pro gears but I realized I can’t rely on that parts supply.
I can have 9” pro gears in days from several suppliers.
I build 30 or so 9” a year. Theres lots of options and ways you can go. Spools, housing ends, axles, brakes all cost the same. I build a fab or stamped housing for about what a bare S60 sells for minus brackets. I run a Strange ultra case but I can tell you there are pro mods out there running speed master cases. Yukon thru bolts are also a great option.

But I’ll also say there’s an ah racer in Michigan, recent record holder, who would only run steel cases because of deflection and hp loss. For you and I that doesn’t really matter.
2cents

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