Yes the case flexes. The issue is, it flexes at the caps. The distance between the driver cap and the passenger cap increases. Internally bracing the housing at the backlash setting adjusters GREATLY strengthens the assembly. The rub marks on the braces proved to me the load that the cap takes. A look at the pig, and it is obvious where the case will move given enough force. I personally proved it to myself. When you make a change, and the problem moves elsewhere, you've "fixed" that problem. Now, did it stop the ultimate demise? No. I ended up with a race intended 9". My only reason for posting this over and over is that the actual reason needs to be disclosed.