Derby98

Anyone done a R&R on a rear differential?
How long should it take a "qualified" mechanic?

thanks

wombvette

You mean drop the complete assembly out and put another in? 3 Hrs.

Derby98

Yes, remove old unit & install new.

3 hours does not seem to be too bad.

Thank You.

wombvette

Naturally that depends on what you run into, rust, bubbas, etc.

Solid LT1

Car may have to be re-aligned after installation. Take that into account when pricing job. I do this stuff myself, not too difficult to do with a set of jackstands and floor jack. With the money you save you can buy yourself a aircompressor and impact gun at Sears!

MotorHead

In three hours I might have everything organized and ready to start a re and re of the diff, c'mon be realistic, sure I could remove my motor in 3 hrs too but it usually takes me all day to do things correctly and still have both fenders left on the car

Derby98

The reason I asked is that a local shop quoted me 5 hours labor to swap diffs.

I have all the air tools etc.....I might just try doing it myself.

woodlandcorvette

Yes 3 hrs sound about right it took me less then a hour but I already had the trailing arms off and the half shafts removed and I have little to no rust. It took about 3 hours to remove trailing arms assemblies and half shafts when I did those. The rear was quick after that I needed to change the yokes and clutch pack while Im in there.


Do it yourself and save the money it was a fun job in a good way and they wont paint and clean it up like you will. Looks so much better after por-15 and paint but adds to you rebuild time. But I have all winter anyway so times not a issue.

Good Luck

77TSi-meez

spraying the rust alone will take all day/maybe longer to allow
for easier removal.

mrvette

The largest time wasting issue will be the removal of the cross member, is it's stuck in place as most are....first time, it took me an extra 2 hours to get that damn thing off the frame....once THAT finally gave all the rest was easy....

first time through it, count on an all day job....

dmaaero

Be very careful with the air tools, if you over tighten the center leaf spring bolts they can crack the housing also the leaf spring end bolts are fine thread. fine thread and air tools dont get along to well

Chuck-75

Glass Act

Changed our 79 four times, took me almost 7 hours each time and I have a hoist, so I wasn't working on my back with jack stands. I could freely stand while un-hooking / removing everything. Plus everything (trailing arms, half shafts etc) were less than a year old, so not rust, dirt or stuck parts to deal with.

Before someone ask why 4 times, removed the 3.55's installed 4.56's ran those for a bit, loved the take off, hated the fuel mileage. Re-installed the 3.55's, missed the take off, went back to the 4.56's and they will stay in.

And let's not forget the beer and pee breaks.

63mako

Yep, sounds like everybody is right. 2 hours to gather tools and spray everything down with PB Blaster then put everything back when done. 3 Hrs to R&R and 2 hours for beer and pee breaks. looks like a 7 hr job to me.

wombvette

He did say experienced mechanic. I would bet the flat rate time is no more than that. But, I have done these for 35 years. I know what to remove and how to do it. I also take the unit down as an assembly with the spring, cross member etc. attached. A quick change and back up. Naturally I am assuming that the mechanic has a lift. I dont blame the guy for quoting 5 hrs. though, you never know what you will run in to.

wombvette

Hey, mr , You just didnt have a big enough crow bar.

Derby98

Thanks Lads.
I too have hoist & I am not pressed for time so I think I will try it me self especially because I like to clean & paint as you reinstall & as you guys say a shop mechanic is not going to that much detail.

PS: Air tolls for removal etc... I always tighten by hand & use a torque wrench where appropriate.

7T1vette

The time to change out a diffy is dependent on many factors.... How rusty and locked up the bolts are; how big and burly you are; how cold it is in the garage....and the most important factor....how many beers you have available! [The more beer you have, the more time it will take.]

battjke

It really isn't too hard....do it yourself, you will learn a lot and have peace of mind that it is done right.

Derby98

There's NEVER a shortage of Beer!!!