Where to find GM Tools CHEAP?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,946
Likes: 63
From: Marianna FL
Where to find GM Tools CHEAP?
Anyone know where to find tools listed in the service manual for a reasonable price? I looked up Kent-Moore (listed in the service manual) and their price for the Dana 44 housing spreader is $349, plus $104 for the adapter. Thats pretty effing expensive! Anyone know where I can get a deal?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 0
From: Newark Ohio
Re: Where to find GM Tools CHEAP? (Mr Dave)
don't know if they have the tools you need, but auto-zone has a free toll loan policy. you pay a deposit that you get back 100% when tool's returned. the sign says they have 60 specialty tools to loan. that is if you have an auto-zone in your area.
good luck
good luck
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,946
Likes: 63
From: Marianna FL
Re: Where to find GM Tools CHEAP? (Fang S-289)
Yeah, Autozone and Pep Boys have the same thing here in town. But I really doubt either one of them would have the housing spreader since it is 84-96 Corvette specific and not a universal tool.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,507
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From: Easton CA
Re: Where to find GM Tools CHEAP? (Mr Dave)
It's just like buying parts from most GM dealers... they know they have you over a barrel so they will "put it to you". Please note, I said most, not all.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 2
From: Hillsboro OR
Re: Where to find GM Tools CHEAP? (Mr Dave)
I usually figure out how to make my own tools when I am faced with this problem. I looked at the tool and you should be able to make one out of steel, threaded rod, and appropriate nuts and washers. You'll have to make the adapter pieces as well. Its time consuming but will cost much less than 340 bucks.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 136
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From: kissimmee,fl.
Re: Where to find GM Tools CHEAP? (AquaMetallic94LT1)
I can tell you the person I had set up my 4:10 gears has a shop and 80% of his repair buisness is rear ends,he told me he doesnot have a speader and has never needed to use one.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,946
Likes: 63
From: Marianna FL
Re: Where to find GM Tools CHEAP? (Rolla Dunkin)
Thanks for the replies. I have already made a pinion yoke holder to loosen the pinion nut (if I can find it from a rear end I did a while back). I had another fellow say that I wouldn't need the spreader either, so looks like I'll scratch that one off the list. Now...where to find some good gauges?
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,669
Likes: 1
Re: Where to find GM Tools CHEAP? (ce_me_vette)
Now you know why it it cost so much to have someone the rears. They have to buy all the setup tools. The housing spreader is nothing, check the prices on the pinion depth gauge, and also the clutch spreader. That is still not all the tools required you still have to hold the rear somehow. The tools are very expensive and you will not be able to rent them, especially from Autozone. They probably will not even know what you are talking about. Just Call you local Snap-On man and he will have some of it. Oh yea have a big wad of Cash in your pocket. The tools will cost you allot more than just paying someone to rebuild your rear.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,946
Likes: 63
From: Marianna FL
Re: Where to find GM Tools CHEAP? (ce_me_vette)
Yes, they do have a website. If you look them up on Yahoo, I think it will come up. If it doesn't, email me and I'll look when I get home for the address.
There are a LOT of "specialty" tools GM calls out in the service manual that are not needed for service work. I've spoken with a couple people who have changed gears without the spreader and it doesn't seem to be needed. To change the ring and pinion, that is the only Corvette specific tool required in the service manual that I remember. For the prices some folks pay for having gears installed, I can buy a LOT of tools. And when I'm finished I know its done right and not half assed.
Scorp, I'd appreciate you verifying as well. The main thing I'm going to be doing is checking the backlash, preload, and possibly swapping the 4.10's back out for the stock 3.45's. The "professionals" that did the job the last time couldn't get it right so I'm not wasting my time with them anymore.
There are a LOT of "specialty" tools GM calls out in the service manual that are not needed for service work. I've spoken with a couple people who have changed gears without the spreader and it doesn't seem to be needed. To change the ring and pinion, that is the only Corvette specific tool required in the service manual that I remember. For the prices some folks pay for having gears installed, I can buy a LOT of tools. And when I'm finished I know its done right and not half assed.
Scorp, I'd appreciate you verifying as well. The main thing I'm going to be doing is checking the backlash, preload, and possibly swapping the 4.10's back out for the stock 3.45's. The "professionals" that did the job the last time couldn't get it right so I'm not wasting my time with them anymore.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Re: Where to find GM Tools CHEAP? (Mr Dave)
Toms Differential has tools listed on their site. I considered this myself when I switched diff. in my car. But as already posted on this site, the cost of the tools makes it prohibitive for the occasional user to do this job theirselfs. After reading the shop manual it is quite involved as well. The cost of a rebuild is mainly in the parts, which you are going to have to buy even it you do it yourself. The way I figured mine was as follows. Ring and pinion gear, $325.00 Clutch rebuild kit $50.00, Bearings and Seals $100.00. This left about $285.00 for labor to do the job compared to buying the rebuilt diff. off of the group purchase for $759.00. (this is by Zip Products 3.54 dana 36) Also it is warranted for a year. Good luck with your decision.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
Re: Where to find GM Tools CHEAP? (Mr Dave)
Anyone know where to find tools listed in the service manual for a reasonable price? I looked up Kent-Moore (listed in the service manual) and their price for the Dana 44 housing spreader is $349, plus $104 for the adapter. Thats pretty effing expensive! Anyone know where I can get a deal?
I think you can rent them here: http://www.ring-pinion.com/p-tools.html
Tom Piper
[Modified by Tom Piper, 7:56 AM 9/26/2001]
Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 1
From: Norcross GA
Re: Where to find GM Tools CHEAP? (Tom Piper)
Kent Moore: http://www.spxkentmoore.com
I have never been able to get a catalog out of them!
These people also have good $ing: http://www.ontool.com
I have never been able to get a catalog out of them!
These people also have good $ing: http://www.ontool.com
