I've done a lot of "research" on the whole ring thing. I don't intend to piss anyone off, as I like Eddie and Tom, Steve and Tim all. Here I go.
I know of 3 "rings" on the market. Spidertrax, Calmini and Breeze. Spidertrax and Calmini are $99/pair. Breeze are $60 a pair.
Basically, when extreme force is applied to a stock birf, it can expand. When this happens, the outer "bell" can crack and break apart. Typically, this break occurs when the CV is turned to its operating limit and at the thinnest part on the bell where the machining for the balls are. Like ripping a telephone book, when the crack starts there, it quickly grows down the bell until it reaches thicker material and stops. By this time, the birf and usually the axle is toast. As a note, even the manufacture left a ridge near this edge on the bell to add some more strength to the area.
Now Spidertrax hit the market first, I believe. Their ring is applied from the stub end, and is pressed on. There is some material the goes over the stock reinforcement ridge, and helps reduce the bell expansion. This is the best bet for someone without machine skills or access to a machinist.
Next came the Calmini "Cup". This ring take another approach. First, the stock ridge must be precision machined off. Then a ring, or Cup is pressed on from the bell side. This not only adds more material to the location of the stock ridge, but also towards the thinnest part of the bell, where the cracks start. IMHO, this is the best place to add reinforcement. If you can find a good machine shop, this is the way I would recommend to go.
Last to enter the "ring" was Breeze. These are installed the same way as the Spidertrax rings, but does not add any more reinforcement to the stock ridge. IMHO, this ring least reinforces the area that needs it most.
Next, add a set of 26spline moly inner shafts with 26spline sidegears and you should have a much improved stock axle. Remember, if it's not Zook, it's puke.
