Anybody dared to try it?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 91
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From: Stockton California
Anybody dared to try it?
Has anyone changed their ring n pinion themselves (excluding those of you who are in the differential indusrty)???
How hard is it?
How muh money is it to get it changed if i dropped the pumpkin and a ring and pinion on the differential guys desk and had him change it?
thanks
Chevr0letman
How hard is it?
How muh money is it to get it changed if i dropped the pumpkin and a ring and pinion on the differential guys desk and had him change it?
thanks
Chevr0letman
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 43
From: Choctaw Country
R&P is a very technical and precise area that most (some can) should not attempt because of the tolerance issues.
You'll save a bunch removing and then re-installing the unit after it has been done, but let an expert do the gear install.
Ask around in your area and car club for references and jobs completed...
DON'T jump on the first guy who says "yeah man I've got the tools and a manual, it can't be that hard"!
You'll save a bunch removing and then re-installing the unit after it has been done, but let an expert do the gear install.
Ask around in your area and car club for references and jobs completed...
DON'T jump on the first guy who says "yeah man I've got the tools and a manual, it can't be that hard"!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 876
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From: Canastota Ny
i can say that i have in a lifted, "C5" blazer before but by the looks of things under the vette i wouldnt want to mess with so much in a small area like it is.
Im sure if you did the majority of the work it would be cheaper, but what about that little C clip you forgot, the shim that wasnt replaced or the last QT of fluid that you "thought you put in".
if in doubt leave it to an expert, plus youll get some type of warranty i assume.
Im sure if you did the majority of the work it would be cheaper, but what about that little C clip you forgot, the shim that wasnt replaced or the last QT of fluid that you "thought you put in".
if in doubt leave it to an expert, plus youll get some type of warranty i assume.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,910
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
I've done several, mostly because I enjoy doing all the build work on my cars (and also because I'm a tight sob). Unless you find that you have a knack for mechanical objects, it's probably time and money wise to contract it out to someone who knows what they're doing, and has all the tools and parts.
Just my opinion.
Just my opinion.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I have done a few in my day but I have the tools also. If you are the least bit afraid of doing it don't. Take the pumpkin out and have someone who has experience do it. If you feel up to it take your time and check everything 3 or 4 times. Make sure the gear pattern is correct. Contact Gary GTR1999 here on the forum for advice if you need it.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,359
Likes: 428
From: Seattle Area WA
Its not a job for the faint of heart one with lack of proper tools. I just did my first one this year and it took about 15 hours to get it right. I couldn't have done it without Garys and Tracdogs help.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You need the right equipment and the proper training to set up a differential correctly. Unless you really want to learn to do this as a business or a sideline job, don't attempt this yourself. Pay to have the diffy rebuilt by a knowledgeable rebuilder. There are folks on this forum who are very good at this and will do good work. You can remove it, clean it up and even provide the new gears, if you want....and put it back in the car, of course. You will save a significant amount of $$$ just doing the removal/reassembly yourself.
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 91
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From: Stockton California
Thanks a bunch, all. But no one gave an estimate! 
I think I'll take the pumpkin from my 77 and drop it off at my buddy's shop and when it's done I'll pull the 75's pumpkin and shove the new one in there.
Just bought a beefed up 700r-4 and i think I'll go with 3.73's.
I think I'll take the pumpkin from my 77 and drop it off at my buddy's shop and when it's done I'll pull the 75's pumpkin and shove the new one in there. Just bought a beefed up 700r-4 and i think I'll go with 3.73's.
Last edited by chevr0letman; Aug 14, 2008 at 10:46 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
Thanks a bunch, all. But no one gave an estimate! I think I'll take the pumpkin from my 77 and drop it off at my buddy's shop and when it's done I'll pull the 75's pumpkin and shove the new one in there.
Just bought a beefed up 700r-4 and i think I'll go with 3.73's.
I think I'll take the pumpkin from my 77 and drop it off at my buddy's shop and when it's done I'll pull the 75's pumpkin and shove the new one in there. Just bought a beefed up 700r-4 and i think I'll go with 3.73's.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette Louisiana
You wanted a price; mine cost me $450 to rebuild. IMO, some of the best money I spent. I do most all of my own work but hired this job done because I wanted it done right. And, unless your buddy is vette specific, I would contact Gary or tracdogg2-Mike. Even I could put one back together, but only an expert can do it right.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
I think that is overstating it a little. You can do it yourself if you want, but you aren't going to save any money because you will need to buy the correct tools and it will take you a hell of a lot longer to do than a professional can do it. Good luck
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 431
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From: Oita, Japan
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1549225
Although I agree with stinger12 and Scott Marzahl -- Its not for the feint of heart, you won't save any money if you have to buy the tools, and I could not have done it without Gary's help.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
If you do it yourself, you need a professional by your side to verify you have the correct pattern. So, in the end, I suggest you send your diff to a pro - and there are only two pros I trust, and they are right here on this forum.
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 43
From: Choctaw Country
Not sure but the tools could cost you for what the r/p install would.
Certain you could pull and re-install the pumpkin, just the precision thats the hard part.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette Louisiana
I don't think that is overstating anything. Like you, I do most all of my own work and I certainly am capable of taking a differential apart and putting it back together again. So yeah, anyone can say that they can rebuild one. I however, wanted the peace of mind that mine had been done right the first time by someone that I knew for a fact was doing the work himself. I didn't want to learn that I messed up after the thing welded itself together and left me on the side of the road.