May need new gears and differential in rear end. Something a first timer can do or not? Anyone attempt this as a first timer? How'd it turn out?

 

I wouldn't suggest it. If it's not setup correctly it will fail alot quicker. These rears are too weak as it is.

Thanx
Joe

 

you need several special tools. this isn't a bolt on thing like headers or anything.
You have to check the back lash and stuff
I wouldn't try it for my first time alone

 

Not a do-it-yourself job for a rookie... or even an experienced home mechanic. Specialty tools required as well as considerable knowledge from what I've told.

Pay someone to do this one... even the best do-it-yourselfers that I know, don't touch rear-end gears.

-Michael

 

Unless you have a pinion depth gauge and know how to read a pattern check, I would have someone else do it. A lot of people get by with using the stock pinion shim without a problem but it isn't a sure thing. You also need an arbor press for the bearings and a companion flange holder. The pinion nut torque is very high and crushing the sleeve takes alot of torque. You sometimes have to pre-crush them in a press. If the gearset you get is a GM set, you will also need to check to see if it is a 5 cut (old) or 2 cut (new style) ring and pinion. This makes a difference on the pattern check. The last thing is checking the backlash, this is the easiest step if you get past the rest. Hope this helps.

 

I just did this today, not something I lke to do in the garage, PITA, a hoist makes all the differance. Part of my job is setting up gears, not something I would reccomend to a first timer. Pinnon deph and preload aren't easy to establish.

 

Thanks for the info gents. Definitely won't be doing it on my own then.So when does one need new gears versus a new differential or a whole new rear end for that matter. I know very little about the rearends on our cars.