I would have someone new set up the ring and pinion. I have seen a lot of "Thats close enough" setups brake tons of parts. Sounds to me like not enough preload on the carrier or pinoin bearings or both. Something is moving around. My car has been 1.26 60' with a brake on a Dana 60,4.30 pro gears and stock caps and bolts @ 3170#. Never worn a gear or broke one. I would'nt give up on the Dana.
Bob

Hey afxcoronet did you get that cat from up north ?

60 here but put new gears in once a year broke or not, just trying to be careful

thanks for the complement on my car yours i cool to i really like the 65s probley my fav b body. my dana has m.w. caps axles and spool with only a crome cover. always been like since i built it.if you have any ? about what the guy is doing to settting it, pm me maybe i can help you and make sure hes doing it right.been doing this for over 20 years narrowed and set up alot of rears.be more than happy to help..

Last night I was at dinner with some MoPar racing friends of mine. We discussed this post.
Both of them have Danas, one hasn't hit it with enough power YET. (he will soon) The other has a car similar to mine in power, trans brake, etc. he hasn't had any problems with his 60.
He bought the whole thing from Strange ready to go. So they must've set his gears properly.
When I built mine I was backhalving the car and going from 83/4 which I was breaking on a regular basis, especially when I went to a transbrake, even with a backbraced housing, tight setup etc!
I liked the drop out center of the 8.75, Rob @ LRT was doing the backhalf, suggested the fab 9 housing, I have had good service from Strange equipment so now I have 2 centers a spare or I can easily change to experiment.
The moral to the story is; I think either will work fine if they are setup properly!
You already have a Dana and if you know what ratio works best for your combo, stick with it and get it setup properly. I am sure you will have plenty of trouble free runs as others have!! Don

Where are you getting the 4.30 gears? Can never seem to find a set.