1980 Differential
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Leominster MA
1980 Differential
Ok so we know they are a weak spot. I have an 80 thats leaking fluid all over the place, i just got the car and its probably been that way for a while. The long and short of it, i want this car on the road and driving as fast as possible. I dont trust any local shops (unless someone knows of a GOOD place in massachusetts). Looks like Zips has rebuilt units ready to go. This seems like the fastest way to get it going again. It clunks something bad. The main u joints look like they have been done, i have new half shafts on the way. But im convinced this rear end is toast. I had one side jacked up the other night and the play in the tire (roataing back and forth is huge) Didnt seem to move in and out however.
Anyway, has anyone used the units zips has? I just want to buy one swap it out and go without the headaches. Any other place have one i should look at?
Anyway, has anyone used the units zips has? I just want to buy one swap it out and go without the headaches. Any other place have one i should look at?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
For quickness of turn around I think that is a good choice. There are always other ways but Zip is good. 
I went the DIY route and spent more than they charge but I know what parts in are mine. Took a while to do as well. If you swap ratios don't forget about the drive/driven speedo gears. Wasn't too hard to do on jack stands.
I went the DIY route and spent more than they charge but I know what parts in are mine. Took a while to do as well. If you swap ratios don't forget about the drive/driven speedo gears. Wasn't too hard to do on jack stands.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 14
From: Dallas-Fort Worth TX
Get yourself the diffy rebuild kit and clutch pack from zips. Bring all the parts and the rearend if you can pull it, to a reputable trans/diff shop. Call around, avoid chain/franchise shops.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,720
Likes: 557
From: Seattle Washington
Pretty much all the major Vendors are going to have a Rebuilt Unit ready to ship but few of them do the work themselves. Try to avoid price comeparing and look at whats been done and who did it. Dose it come with Axel Yokes or not? Toms Diff in Idaho, Duntov Raceing and Van Steel come to mind as good Rebuilders however there are more. Sounds like You need to Open the Unit up and have a look inside before You decide what to do anyway. If the Car will be used for performace this is a good time to Upgrade to 4 speed Parts in the Rear Assembly.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Leominster MA
What do you mean 4 speed assembly? (confused now lol)
Im pretty set on if its coming out some new or rebuilt is going back in, im not messing around. I dont know much about differentials. I can pick out wear on some parts but after all that work, i think i'll put something new in there.
So for a good unit (say hold about 400hp? someday) and not too expensive , point me to someone! LOL.
I assume new side yokes wouldn't be a bad idea either. Other than a gasket what else should i get. (batwing bushings and front bushings obviously)
Im pretty set on if its coming out some new or rebuilt is going back in, im not messing around. I dont know much about differentials. I can pick out wear on some parts but after all that work, i think i'll put something new in there.
So for a good unit (say hold about 400hp? someday) and not too expensive , point me to someone! LOL.
I assume new side yokes wouldn't be a bad idea either. Other than a gasket what else should i get. (batwing bushings and front bushings obviously)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Leominster MA
Well i've decided to just buy a bolt in build, im done messing with it, im doing the entire rear suspension and brakes anyway, so I might as well pull it and fix it right. I put fluid in it but it still sounds horrible. I have new half shafts here and ready to go, going to replace the u joints also.
Doesnt look like the rebuilt units come with side yokes. So if i buy new ones are they easy to install?
What gears should i get? TH350 basically stock 350, maybe down the road it will come out but for now its staying this way.
3.55?? 3.07?? I dont want to be redlining at 70.
Doesnt look like the rebuilt units come with side yokes. So if i buy new ones are they easy to install?
What gears should i get? TH350 basically stock 350, maybe down the road it will come out but for now its staying this way.
3.55?? 3.07?? I dont want to be redlining at 70.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
The 4 spd and all '82 cars had larger halfshafts and the yokes have larger bolt holes for the little strap caps also I do believe the ujoints are slightly larger as well (spicer 1350? I think).
When I had mine built up I went with 3.55 and do about 3100RPM at 70mph. Bought new yokes for mine, they came from Lone Star but I think I ordered them from Zip.
When I had mine built up I went with 3.55 and do about 3100RPM at 70mph. Bought new yokes for mine, they came from Lone Star but I think I ordered them from Zip.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,720
Likes: 557
From: Seattle Washington
Sounds like You allready have new 1/2 shafts but are they for an Auto or a Manual Car? They are diffrent as in they use diffrent U-Joints. The Manual 80-81's and all 82's use the Spicer 1350 U-joint wich is the weak point in these Rear ends. To switch You will need the Yokes and the Axel Flanges from an Manual or 82' car as well.
