I much prefer the dropout 9" Fords, easy to have another set of gears or two set up.... I suppose it would be strong, but all the extra weight and sheer mass would probably negate any gains... I built a car for a friend of mine in '95, close to 500 passes on it now and still the same pair of 40 spline Moser axles. The current engine is 500/500, it's had bigger engines. It has gone through a couple of pinions, however!!!