The Strange gears are $30 more, which is something I certainly don't mind spending if they are higher quality.

I'm getting 3.73's, does anyone have any quality issues with either brand? Any comments?

Also, there are 3 different types of installation kits available. Which kit will I need to get the best install from a private shop? I don't want to get anything that isn't necessary.

(This is text taken from Thunder Racing)
Basic Kit: Includes pinion shims, crush sleeve, pinion seal & cover gasket
Complete Kit: Includes pinion shims, carrier shims, crush sleeve, pinion seal, pinion nut, ring gear bolts, cover gasket, and pinion & carrier bearings
Deluxe Kit: Includes pinion shims, carrier shims, crush sleeve, pinion seal, pinion nut, ring gear bolts, cover gasket, pinion & carrier bearings, PLUS wheel bearings and seals. (All of the small parts and pieces necessary to RESTORE an axle to like new condition!)

Thanks in advance guys!!

 

Motive gears are supposed to whine less so you may want to go with those. Strange gears are very good gears but I wouldn't say they're any better than Motive. If you're getting a professional to rebuild your rearend don't bother with the installation kits. Any good rearend shop will have their own parts. However, if you're gonna buy the installation kit get the deluxe one. You should always replace your axel bearings when doing rearend work like this.

There's also a crush sleeve removal kit (something like that) which can take the place of the crush sleeve. That's one of the weaker elements of a rearend IMO. Also, if you're looking at the Ratech kit count on getting a better gasket. The one they supply isn't that good. I went with a Felpro gasket on mine. Didn't use any RTV and still no leaks.

 

MOTIVE!!!

 

How much is the labor gonna cost you? I 'm thinkin about that swap myself

 

I got a quote of $300 from one place... seems a little high... A guy referred me to a rear end specialist who he says has awesome prices, but after mutiple calls i haven't gotten in touch with him. Oh well, i'll keep trying or look around some more.

BTW, i ordered the motive gears with the delux kit... hope they work out okay!!

 

$300 is a fair price. Rearend work is a highly skilled operation not to be left to anyone but a professional.

 

Well Said Norcal... The place that charges $300 is a place that specailizes in camaros... maybe i'll just take it there and do it right, huh?

 

That's your best bet. I've done a little rearend work on Camaros and it's pretty easy but getting the settings and alignment done just right takes a lot of unique tools and a lot of trial and error.

 

Well Said, if you do not have the right tools to set up the Pinion Depth and Backlash, then you might as well pay the $ 300.. I can actually set up rear ends and some times is a PITA, especially when it comes to getting Pinion depth setup, good idea to have someone else help you because if you were to do it by yourself forget it...

Now on the otherhands if I did not have access to the tools then I would just take it to a shop that does rear ends all day....

I agree with Norcal about getting the deluxe kit...