av81

Anybody rebearing their rear diff ? I have a small howl noise when on the gas it goes away when you lift , I think its the pinion bearing .... a rebuild kit with all bearings and seal is around$200 , just wondering when the diff is out is it a ballgame to set it back up? From what I have read it looks like shims instead of a crush coller ? Anybody do this?

Bikespace

I completely redid my rear end last year, but I balked at the differential, even though it likely needs new yoke seals. The batwing has to come out of the car, which I didn't want to do at the time.

This thread might help:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...questions.html

Most of the go-to differential experts on this forum don't mess with the 80-82 differentials.

av81

Thanks man , my main concern is the pinion depth if its shimmed can I just use the same amounts of shims , the carrier pretty sure thats no problem using the shims that are there ...

ratflinger

You will want to get in contact with member GTR1999 as he can quickly answer your questions.

bradleyb66

I'll second that - Gary (GTR1999) just rebuilt the diff for my 79. I thought about maybe trying it myself, but I'm glad that I let the expert take care of it. He e-mailed pictures (lots of pictures!) of every step, explained what he was doing, and his base rate price is exceptional, considering how many hours he put into it.

TimAT

A drive or coast side whine is usually not just bearings.

73racevette

Gary is your man for sure.

With that said, I have done my own (with the help of Gary) and while it is possible your existing shim pack could be reused, it is doubtful. More likely you will need to measure to come up with the proper shim dimension. Also, as was said a whine is probably not just bearings.

GTR1999

Sounds like gear whine when you load the gears. I won't touch a 80-82 diff, no matter how much someone offers. I don't like the design of the pinion, the posi, the posi retainer issues, axle issues, or the aluminum caps. Those that beat them up and like them good for you and I wish you a long run. If I had an 80-82 I would source the parts from a parts car and convert to an iron unit that is stronger. There are plenty of them out there too. I personally would not put money into a steel cap or c4 posi but that is up to you. An iron diff, less cover is 80lb.

Good luck

av81

Well if it ends up being gears also I might be better off buying one on CL I saw low miles was pulled 25 years ago and sitting with the bat wing , I hear the dana 44 is weak all I can say is I had a 1980 L82 I put a 144 blower ,headers ect on it I beat the living bag out of that car never had even a noise from the diff some u joints but thats it... many rear tires!
My 81 is 100% stock the stock diff is fine for 190hp