rear-end rebuilt questions
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 2
From: Round Rock, Texas, USA Texas
rear-end rebuilt questions
I’m going to be rebuilding the rear in my Vette after the holidays. Actually, I’m going to take it and have it done. Car has about 130K miles on it with a new gearset added about 40K ago. It has a whine when I let off and then give it gas at 60-70MPH.
Questions are:
What should I check before I take it? I can feel a little rear end vibration on hard acceleration - figuring that might have something to do with the trailing arm bushing. I’ve done the “grab a wheel” bearing check - they seem to be okay.
Is it cheaper/better to buy a set of used trailing arms and send them to Bair’s (spelling?)
What is Bair’s phone number, URL, correct spelling? Anyone else out there selling rebuild trailing arms - anybody got a used set laying around?
I’ve heard good and bad things about the local Corvette shop (Austin Corvette) - should I just drop it off and tell them to “fix it”? Any good or bad experience with them?
Lastly any estimates of how much I might pay? What you paid for what you had done.
Questions are:
What should I check before I take it? I can feel a little rear end vibration on hard acceleration - figuring that might have something to do with the trailing arm bushing. I’ve done the “grab a wheel” bearing check - they seem to be okay.
Is it cheaper/better to buy a set of used trailing arms and send them to Bair’s (spelling?)
What is Bair’s phone number, URL, correct spelling? Anyone else out there selling rebuild trailing arms - anybody got a used set laying around?
I’ve heard good and bad things about the local Corvette shop (Austin Corvette) - should I just drop it off and tell them to “fix it”? Any good or bad experience with them?
Lastly any estimates of how much I might pay? What you paid for what you had done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 0
From: colorado springs CO
Racer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: new mexico
Re: rear-end rebuilt questions (rrent)
I have my T/As off to Bairs right now. Hope to get them back soon . Yogi told me there was a 10 day turn around time. I expect the UPS to be swamped so no telling. Putting in poly bushings all around. My yokes were worn down ... a lot on my 79 4 speed. A preivious owner had Nitrous hooked up to it, so can only expect the worse. Am working on the brakes now Good luck Jim
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 18,478
Likes: 3
From: Quincy IL
Re: rear-end rebuilt questions (JRChurch)
i had a local mechanic rebuild my differential after removing it, labor was $200. i spent about $200 in rebuilt yokes from Bair's and $200 in a diff rebuild kit from drivetrain specialists in michigan,included all bearings,seals,and posi clutch pack.. so total cost was $600. i bought poly TA bushings from vette brakes,put them in myself,about $60.i did my rear wheel bearings also.i did not do these tasks all at once,so i have had the back end apart in various stages on 3 different occasions. the problem with my diff is the pinion seal is leaking,slowly,so like you,after the holidays,i'll take it apart again. the repair book calls for about 5 hours of labor and 2 special tools to remove and replace the $10 seal(with diff in car). so rather than spend $250 of labor for a $10 seal,i'll try to fix it myself or carry it in. and take what i saved for some new tires. happy holidays!!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville,Tn,USA TN
Re: rear-end rebuilt questions (Gary79)
Bairs did a wonderful job on my trailing arms and rear end. Good price and turn around. Now if I could only get the rest of the car together.
Neil in Tenn
Neil in Tenn
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Re: rear-end rebuilt questions (rrent)
Suggest you consider VanSteel for rear bearings and T-arms. I had mine done several years back and no worries. Be sure to use stainless shims with T arms.
They will be at the Houston Corvette Show in late Jan. If you can wait that long you can get show discounts.
Gary at Austin Corvette does good work but a bit pricy. Join the Longhorn Corvette Club for a discount at Austin Corvette.
I'd also get an estimate from AutoTek in South Austin. Excellent mechanics who've done several projects for me including my 383tpi swap.
They will be at the Houston Corvette Show in late Jan. If you can wait that long you can get show discounts.
Gary at Austin Corvette does good work but a bit pricy. Join the Longhorn Corvette Club for a discount at Austin Corvette.
I'd also get an estimate from AutoTek in South Austin. Excellent mechanics who've done several projects for me including my 383tpi swap.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 2
From: Round Rock, Texas, USA Texas
Re: rear-end rebuilt questions (rrent)
thanks guys - It will probably be late Jan. or Feb. before I get to it.
I'm about to buy a '65 Impala that needs a little work - fix it up - give it a good selling - and use the profit for the rear end rebuild.
I'm about to buy a '65 Impala that needs a little work - fix it up - give it a good selling - and use the profit for the rear end rebuild.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Re: rear-end rebuilt questions (rrent)
I just had Bairs rebuild my trailing arms, rear-end, A-arms, power steering, strut rods, etc....everything suspension. I highly recommend those guys. Sometimes you don't mind writing the check in exchange for good service and competent workmanship. They have rebuilt two rear ends for me.
