What!!!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne FL
What!!!!!
I took my rear differential to a "friend" who was an ecklers mechanic who now owns his own shop. I wanted to swap the gears from 3.08 to 3.73. He just called me and said it would be $1100. Oh and thats for a new back cover as well, which is about $100. I could get a completely rebuilt rear end for much less than that. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
Get it back from your "friend" and get in touch with forum members
Gary GTR1999 or Mike trackdogg2 or maybe the other way around (meaning get in touch with these guys before taking it back. At the very least they can tell you what a correct rebuild should cost you.
Both these guys are very good at what they do and very helpful to the members here.
Gary GTR1999 or Mike trackdogg2 or maybe the other way around (meaning get in touch with these guys before taking it back. At the very least they can tell you what a correct rebuild should cost you.
Both these guys are very good at what they do and very helpful to the members here.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,135
Likes: 3,939
From: Connecticut, USA
Since I saw this post and was mentioned I figured I would lend my opinion.
First off what are you getting for $1100? You might be getting a good deal or not much more then a gear set and a master kit. True you can look in any catalog and get a "rebuilt" diff but don't expect much for less then you were quoted.
There are several ways to rebuild these, the cheaper ones are fast and usually consist of master kit and clutches. Some cut the quality of the parts or reuse some that should be replaced, sad but true. Some will do them in a day and offer them at $600-$800 think about it and ask a lot of questions. Me, I won't take in a job like that because I don't like them. Why assemble it with the inherent problems they had from day one? Many time they need more then what I mentioned or have damage requiring extra work if they are capable or added parts if they're not.
For example, Mike and I are probably the only ones who will polish and tune a posi. Ask your guy about that and see what the reponse is.
Back to your question
If you're getting new side yokes, hardened and Fit to 005,solid steel clutches, new USA gears, Muskegon HD cover, USA master kit, HD cross shaft, correct Torrington yoke bearings you're already over $1000 in parts alone in most cases. If you cut out the yokes, cover, go with cheaper parts maybe you'll get it lower. Remember this is just part cost, I don't think anyone is offering free labor. There are a lot of gimmicks out there so your best plan of action is to learn about these,how they differ, how the rebuilder does the job and what parts are used. Lastly will you be informed on the job and given documentation beyond an invoice?
Good luck, do it right, do it once.
First off what are you getting for $1100? You might be getting a good deal or not much more then a gear set and a master kit. True you can look in any catalog and get a "rebuilt" diff but don't expect much for less then you were quoted.
There are several ways to rebuild these, the cheaper ones are fast and usually consist of master kit and clutches. Some cut the quality of the parts or reuse some that should be replaced, sad but true. Some will do them in a day and offer them at $600-$800 think about it and ask a lot of questions. Me, I won't take in a job like that because I don't like them. Why assemble it with the inherent problems they had from day one? Many time they need more then what I mentioned or have damage requiring extra work if they are capable or added parts if they're not.
For example, Mike and I are probably the only ones who will polish and tune a posi. Ask your guy about that and see what the reponse is.
Back to your question
If you're getting new side yokes, hardened and Fit to 005,solid steel clutches, new USA gears, Muskegon HD cover, USA master kit, HD cross shaft, correct Torrington yoke bearings you're already over $1000 in parts alone in most cases. If you cut out the yokes, cover, go with cheaper parts maybe you'll get it lower. Remember this is just part cost, I don't think anyone is offering free labor. There are a lot of gimmicks out there so your best plan of action is to learn about these,how they differ, how the rebuilder does the job and what parts are used. Lastly will you be informed on the job and given documentation beyond an invoice?
Good luck, do it right, do it once.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,039
Likes: 105
From: State of Confusion!!!
2018 C2 of Year Winner
Get it back from your "friend" and get in touch with forum members
Gary GTR1999 or Mike trackdogg2 or maybe the other way around (meaning get in touch with these guys before taking it back. At the very least they can tell you what a correct rebuild should cost you.
Both these guys are very good at what they do and very helpful to the members here.
Gary GTR1999 or Mike trackdogg2 or maybe the other way around (meaning get in touch with these guys before taking it back. At the very least they can tell you what a correct rebuild should cost you.
Both these guys are very good at what they do and very helpful to the members here.
