Rear end gears
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 120
Likes: 1
From: ohio
Rear end gears
I was looking to replace my 2.59 gears in my 94 with 3.73. Any one offer some advice on how I should go about doing this. Is it better to replace the gears themselves or get a rebuilt carrier with them already installed? What about pricing, how much should expect to pay to do it myself? What about recalibration?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,813
Likes: 32
From: Work
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Rear end gears (fasteddez)
Well, I just did the same to my 93 so I have a bit of input. First off I don't think it's necessary to replace the whole pumpkin, just the ring and pinion. They will run in the area from $250 (if you find a deal) to $450 (standard price). I wouldn't take the job on yourself unless you are experienced in that are. It's a real pain the the rear (no pun intended). Expect to pay a shop about $400-500 for an install, you may find cheaper rates just shop around.
You will have to buy a new speed sensor and gear to recalibrate your speedo. There is a fellow here on the forum that goes by the name of Jeff Kopp, he can get you a sweet deal on those items...I think I paid around $30 or so. Just do a search for his name, you'll find his contact info somewhere. Ask him about prices for your ring and pinion too while your at it...it's a good chance he'll shoot you a sweet price! Be sure to specify that the R&P is for a 2.xx series rear end since you have the 2.59's now.
Good luck with the swap, you will love it I promise.
Eric
[Modified by HOWSER, 12:19 PM 8/15/2002]
You will have to buy a new speed sensor and gear to recalibrate your speedo. There is a fellow here on the forum that goes by the name of Jeff Kopp, he can get you a sweet deal on those items...I think I paid around $30 or so. Just do a search for his name, you'll find his contact info somewhere. Ask him about prices for your ring and pinion too while your at it...it's a good chance he'll shoot you a sweet price! Be sure to specify that the R&P is for a 2.xx series rear end since you have the 2.59's now.
Good luck with the swap, you will love it I promise.
Eric
[Modified by HOWSER, 12:19 PM 8/15/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 9,713
Likes: 3
From: Sachse Texas
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Rear end gears (fasteddez)
I paid $800 to have a set installed in my carrier. That included labor, gears, and installation kit. I took the shop only the rear end with the batwing installed still. Left the rest of the car at home. It would have been another $250 or so had I took them the whole car.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Frederick, MD, USA
Re: Rear end gears (fasteddez)
I don’t think you can go from a 2.59 to a 3.73 with just a ring and pinion swap. It is my understanding that you will need a 3-series carrier (3.07) to go to 3.73, but it would be weak. Settle for a factory 3.07 (direct swap) or get a dana 44 from a six-speed (3.45). Then if you want to go 3.73, pay another $400+ and change gears in the dana 44. In my opinion it is really not worth the money to change from 3.45 to 3.73 in an A4, not that big of a difference. You would be very happy with the 3.45 after the 2.59.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 0
From: Warrenville IL
Re: Rear end gears (92BlackRose)
don't bother with the 3.07, it's not worth the effort or cost from a 2.59.
Either get a 3.54 or 3.73.
I bought a complete Dana 36 assy w/ 3.54 from this place: http://partsforvettes.com
ask for Ed Portner
I paid around $1200/$1300 all new parts, no core, included fluids.
I think you can get a 3.54 D36 Assy from Zip for around $800 but you have to send in your stock unit as a core.
If you have the cash a Dana 44 would be the best way to go.
Unlike the earlier automatics you won't need to change anything in the trans to calibrate. All you'll need for your 94 is a Hypertech Power Programmer or to send in your PCM to be changed. I would just get the programmer then you can change other things as well.
I went from running 13.90's@101mph in the 1/4 mi. to consistent 13.30's and 20's@105mph with just the gear change.
Either get a 3.54 or 3.73.
I bought a complete Dana 36 assy w/ 3.54 from this place: http://partsforvettes.com
ask for Ed Portner
I paid around $1200/$1300 all new parts, no core, included fluids.
I think you can get a 3.54 D36 Assy from Zip for around $800 but you have to send in your stock unit as a core.
If you have the cash a Dana 44 would be the best way to go.
Unlike the earlier automatics you won't need to change anything in the trans to calibrate. All you'll need for your 94 is a Hypertech Power Programmer or to send in your PCM to be changed. I would just get the programmer then you can change other things as well.
I went from running 13.90's@101mph in the 1/4 mi. to consistent 13.30's and 20's@105mph with just the gear change.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
Likes: 11
From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Rear end gears (nickd)
don't bother with the 3.07, it's not worth the effort or cost from a 2.59.
Either get a 3.54 or 3.73.
I bought a complete Dana 36 assy w/ 3.54 from this place: http://partsforvettes.com
ask for Ed Portner
I paid around $1200/$1300 all new parts, no core, included fluids.
I think you can get a 3.54 D36 Assy from Zip for around $800 but you have to send in your stock unit as a core.
If you have the cash a Dana 44 would be the best way to go.
Unlike the earlier automatics you won't need to change anything in the trans to calibrate. All you'll need for your 94 is a Hypertech Power Programmer or to send in your PCM to be changed. I would just get the programmer then you can change other things as well.
I went from running 13.90's@101mph in the 1/4 mi. to consistent 13.30's and 20's@105mph with just the gear change.
Either get a 3.54 or 3.73.
I bought a complete Dana 36 assy w/ 3.54 from this place: http://partsforvettes.com
ask for Ed Portner
I paid around $1200/$1300 all new parts, no core, included fluids.
I think you can get a 3.54 D36 Assy from Zip for around $800 but you have to send in your stock unit as a core.
If you have the cash a Dana 44 would be the best way to go.
Unlike the earlier automatics you won't need to change anything in the trans to calibrate. All you'll need for your 94 is a Hypertech Power Programmer or to send in your PCM to be changed. I would just get the programmer then you can change other things as well.
I went from running 13.90's@101mph in the 1/4 mi. to consistent 13.30's and 20's@105mph with just the gear change.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 0
From: Warrenville IL
Re: Rear end gears (KurtK)
NickD-
Was the $ 1200 worth it? I am thinking about changing out the rearend.
Thanks.
Was the $ 1200 worth it? I am thinking about changing out the rearend.
Thanks.
I honestly wish I had the $ to do the Dana 44 at the time.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,813
Likes: 32
From: Work
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Rear end gears (92BlackRose)
I don’t think you can go from a 2.59 to a 3.73 with just a ring and pinion swap...
