Well, I knew ahead of time that taking my car in for a few tranny leaks and diff leaks would balloon.

Upon inspection of the tranny the shop suggested they pull the tranny and do the seals and synchros, since the front seal was bad anyway. Fine. (estimating 4-5 hours of labor @ $75/hr plus $140 in parts)

Upon inspection of the differetial they want to pull it as well and do what they're calling a "reseal kit" whatever that means. (4 hours of labor plus $50 in parts)

Yesterday they called and said that there is play in the rear axles and they suggest they be replaced, trailing arm bushings are shot, one wheel bearing needs to be shimmed and the u-joint (front) should be replaced. (an additional hour of labor on top of the 4 for the rear diff plus parts)

They've been okay about the deal and even suggested I bring in my own parts to save some $$$. I don't know a heck of a lot about rear ends on old cars, so I'm wondering if this makes sense. Part of me says just pay the $1000 (which is a lot) and have it all done and be happy with the "freshness". Part of me just wants them to finish the tranny work, slap it back in and be out the door at $400.

Thoughts?

 

I would only have them do the work if they are well experienced in C3 corvettes.

If they are a general shop, you're likely to end up with higher costs, longer time, and less quality.

The trailing arms, differential mounts, rear bearings are somewhat unique, and although the work can be done by anyone with mechanical skills; you'll be happiest in the long run if you use a 'vette specialist.

Now the tough part, this is really the opportunity for "while you're at it", the differential mounting bushing/mount should be replaced at this time when the diff is out, then you won't have to worry about it again. I'm sure others will chime in on this list...

Steve

 

I suggest you read my threads on the differential before you commit or PM with direct questions. Replacing the yokes alone may not resolve the issues. Side yoke seals require removing the diff, pinion seal can be done in the car.
Rear bearings can not be reshimmed and reused, you have to replace them and they should be machined to correctly do the job.
Read some recent posts on what happens when the rear bearings are not setup correctly.

 

@GTR1999 - I'll take a look and do some more reading. The thing is I'm not having any "issues" other than a leak...and them telling me they need to pull the diff out. I'll ask about the seals they're planning on doing. The wheel does have a little play in it...but not much.

@Halfmoontrail - The guy doing the work does have experience on C3s. Thanks for the heads up on the bushing/mount.

The rear bearing stuff sounds involved and prone to error. I'll have to ask a few more questions.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

I'll PM you a link to help

 

Thanks!

In a totally unrelated question, the car has hooker ceramic sidepipes with inserts (unknown manuf.). Can these be replaced at home? I'm considering the sweet thunder inserts, but don't know if the existing inserts can be removed easily.