Rear end swap how much work
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: Kinzers. PA
Rear end swap how much work
In a late model c3 how much work is involved in a rear end swap. I want to just do a ring and pinion kit, and put in a 3.90 rear instead of my 3.08. i belive i have to drop the rear suspension why im at it too.. How hard is it and is it woth it
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 3
From: Glen Allen (Richmond) Virginia
Definately worth it..... the first time you catch second gear in front of your buddies.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 53
From: Bogart GA
Just nuts and bolts for the most part. You will have to remove the cross member the chunk bolts to. That can be a PITA because the mounts stick and it usually requires a crow bar and some elbow grease. If the mounts are in good shape you will want to reuse them as they are quite expensive to replace. I bought my kit from Randy's Ring and Pinion. Getting the correct pattern and bearing preload is the next challenge. You will need a large impact or breaker bar as well as a inch-pound torque wrench and dial gauge with a magnetic base for back lash. I also rebuilt my posi unit with new clutch packs and shims. I also install a billet bearing cap and larger cap screws. Also removed all burs from posi unit and polished. I also install a magnetic drain plug while I was at it. Over all it is not a job for a guy whose big challenge on mod day is to install a new set of speakers but if you have some decent tools and jacks and not afraid of a challange and willing to get the right tools for the job as well as do some reading, then go for it. I take pride in doing things myself and and for me working on my car is as fun as driving it. I think I have some photos of some of what I did under my photo page.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
With 3.55 gears and a TH350 my engine is reving almost 3000 at 60 mph - if you don't have a overdrive trans I'd say 3.55 gears are about the maximum if you want to be able to drive at highway speed (65-70mph)
just my 2 cents, with 3.90 gears you won't be enjoying driving faster than 50mph..... now, 4.11 and a 200r4 trans is a different story
just my 2 cents, with 3.90 gears you won't be enjoying driving faster than 50mph..... now, 4.11 and a 200r4 trans is a different story
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
I never replaced the ring and pinion, but did drop the rear. Mine came out without any real fuss. I used a 36" crowbar to pop off the crossmember.
As for the choice of gears, much of that should be decided on how it's driven. If you seldom drive the car or seldom drive it on the highway, then the 3.90 gear is an altenative. With those gears driving at 70mph on the freeway the engine will be running failry hard, almost like driving it in 2nd gear instead of 3rd (with the 3 speed auto).
As for the choice of gears, much of that should be decided on how it's driven. If you seldom drive the car or seldom drive it on the highway, then the 3.90 gear is an altenative. With those gears driving at 70mph on the freeway the engine will be running failry hard, almost like driving it in 2nd gear instead of 3rd (with the 3 speed auto).
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: Kinzers. PA
I never replaced the ring and pinion, but did drop the rear. Mine came out without any real fuss. I used a 36" crowbar to pop off the crossmember.
As for the choice of gears, much of that should be decided on how it's driven. If you seldom drive the car or seldom drive it on the highway, then the 3.90 gear is an altenative. With those gears driving at 70mph on the freeway the engine will be running failry hard, almost like driving it in 2nd gear instead of 3rd (with the 3 speed auto).
As for the choice of gears, much of that should be decided on how it's driven. If you seldom drive the car or seldom drive it on the highway, then the 3.90 gear is an altenative. With those gears driving at 70mph on the freeway the engine will be running failry hard, almost like driving it in 2nd gear instead of 3rd (with the 3 speed auto).
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,173
Likes: 3,982
From: Connecticut, USA
You can remove the diff without touching the arms, just move the strut rod down and clear the diff.
Installing gears is not exactly a job you want to tackle if you don't the tools and understanding. I can walk you through if you attempt it but you should use good parts. I have narrowed down and now stock all the parts I use in rebuilds if you need them.
390 gears are Richmonds most likely- Howard N did correct me on this a month ago that GM did once offer them but I don't know if they are still avail. Richmond can be a hit or miss gear to setup. I don't use them but others certainly have and had mixed results from what I was told.
I suggest you think about what you really plan on doing and then decide how you want to build the diff so you get the best job for your application.
If you need help let me know and I'll be glad to go over it with you.
Installing gears is not exactly a job you want to tackle if you don't the tools and understanding. I can walk you through if you attempt it but you should use good parts. I have narrowed down and now stock all the parts I use in rebuilds if you need them.
390 gears are Richmonds most likely- Howard N did correct me on this a month ago that GM did once offer them but I don't know if they are still avail. Richmond can be a hit or miss gear to setup. I don't use them but others certainly have and had mixed results from what I was told.
I suggest you think about what you really plan on doing and then decide how you want to build the diff so you get the best job for your application.
If you need help let me know and I'll be glad to go over it with you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Rebuilt 200r4 transmissions are on Ebay for $1000 and the seller is in PA (forgot the name). 700r4 trans is $560 (seller says it's rebuilt), used 200r4 is $250 but seller won't ship.....
