Dr_Shakalu

Hey everyone. Was thinking about changing the rear end gear on my 1996 coupe auto that has the dana 36. I just saw this on Craigslist and was wondering if the price is right. I know that the dana 44 is stronger but I was wondering what else is needed to change rear ends and what the cost might be from a mechanic to switch them? Thanks in advance, Ed.

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/pts/4800931882.html

bjankuski

You need the batwing, driveshaft, and c-beam from a stick car, plus labor to put the parts in. I would look for one with a batwing.

eutu1984

If all you what to do is change your gear ratio it may be a lot cheaper to do a gear change in the dana 36. new set of gears will cost you about $350.00 plus labor and the cost of seals , shims and bearings if needed.

Dr_Shakalu

Do you know where I can purchase the gears for my dana 36? I'm looking for maybe 3.45, 3.54 or 3.73 gears? Also, what might the cost be for all of the other parts? That way I can give my mechanic everything to install.

eutu1984

Try here: http://www.ringpinion.com/b2c/PartCa...D=3&DiffID=124

I would talk to your mechanic first or find some one who does differentials.

Vic'89

I agree, the average mechanic will not be able to install a dana gearset.

Vic

jispr

Look on Ebay. I've bought and sold numerous diffs with and w/o the batwing. Ran 3:73 for a long time...best bang for the buck. But the increasing cost of fuel drew me back to 2:59. If you can find a diff shop
at least you would know it's new. I've turned wrenches all my life but I've never built a rear end nor an auto tranny. Your local Goodyear or America's service station want know how to rebuild those either

Silver96ce

Zip's Corvette sells the correct ring and pinion for 3.54 in a Dana 36 but better yet they also do rebuilds. You may want to contact them to see.

http://www.zip-corvette.com/catalog/...category/7966/

blackozvet

have a read of this thread, its probably cheaper to buy a pumpkin with the ratio you want than to rebuild yours.
An original GM diff will usually always be quieter than aftermarket gears.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...to-3-54-a.html

Vett1990

Ed,

If your looking for performance DON'T rebuild the DANA 36... some of the parts are no longer available i.e. spider gears. I tossed around the idea of changing my 36 but , read all the forum posts and it just seemed so difficult.

Not so, I replaced my 36 this past summer because I destroyed the spider gears and couldn't find replacements. The 44 conversion is a simple process, all you need is the Batwing, Third member, C-beam and main driveshaft and everything else will bolt up.

Don't forget a good sealer and non synthetic gear oil and a tube of GM limited slip additive, I found this out the hard way as my diff chattered bad!! Removed the 44 again, replaced the oil and everything works great.

Don't waste your time and money.... Make the conversion to a 44 it's an easy process, best of luck to you.