After a search for a ring and pinion set for my '81, I am more confused than ever. I know there are a couple sites out there that sell them but, to be honest, they do not list a brand name and I do not want to buy junk... I called Richmond gear today and they say that they offer nothing for the 80-83 Vette. Jegs lists Dana 44 gears that fit about everything including the Vette. Is it this simple? Does any Dana 44 gear set fit? Someone has to have the answer...

 

Tough question eh?

 

I haven't rebuilt a 80-82 differential yet,but have done the earlier ones. I use the gears that Tom's in Ca sells,US Gear. They should have a set for you car.
Gary

 

Eric I have done a number of these differentials and you can get good components out of Toms . Also Glens gages posts here and recently had his rear rebuilt , he can give you a lead on rear components .

gman :crazy:

 

I would also go w/the US Gear over the Richmond. We use the Richmond gears only if we have to. All the aluminum 80-82 rears are Dana 44's. The highest gear you can go to is a 3:73.

 

Got my 3.54 gears (Spicer) for my 82 (Dana 44) from Drive Train Specialists.

Ed

 

Thanks guys, I was aware I would need to upgrade the center carrier for lower gears but was just unable to locate any "name brand" I found it odd to see Richmond listed as a do-not-get as they always seemed decent. I will get ahold of some US Gear.

 

From what I've heard, Dana changed the design of the 44 in the mid to late eighties, and those will take a different ring and pinion.

Stay with genuine Spicer gears if you can. Less chance for that rear end whine!

:cheers:

 

In August '03, I got '82 a set of 3.73 gears (Precision Gear) for $125 less S&H from:
POWER TRAIN, 1-631/589-7020, on Long Island, N.Y.
I spoke to "Ronnie", who was very helpful, and says he has several ratios available, or could GET what he didn't have.
I know many people prefer Richmond-brand or U.S. Gear-brand, but I had previously run Precision Gear-products in my 12-second Z28 with no problems with 400+ HP, 4000 RPM launches, & 10"-wide slicks;
I figure a Cross-Fire making 250 HP (max) with 8" wide BFG TA Radials won't hurt 'em...

 

I might be giving you a call Monday. These are not for a 250hp cross-fire, check my sig as this will be the second set.

 

Yeah, but if you ain't running tires that'll dead-hook (20" rims???), wheel-spin will be your 'safety-valve'...correct?

 

Those 20's are just for show, cruisin' around town... I bolt on the real-deal when I want to play. I am sure something else will break in time but I will upgrade as it happens.