is this the best way to go just buying the whole thing for 760.00 what would it cost for this to be installed

 

I paid $300 for my ring and pinion, and $350 for the complete install.

 

Tom's Differentials sells the ring and pinion for 200 or so and an instalation kit which you will need for another 90 or so.

Then I had a guy install them for 350.

 

You've got mail.

 

As a terminal Do-it Yourselfer, I always investigate doing things myself, just because I know I won't take shortcuts. This car is a source of pleasure and pride to me, and I depend upon it to perform flawlessly for myself and my passenger. When it is my car that I have to depend on, I want to know what was done.

That being said, I have come to understand that trusting professionals to do a job that their livelihood and reputation depends upon is very often well worth the extra money spent. We have all probably at one point or another spent twice the money we should have by doing it ourselves, and then paying again to have our mistakes corrected. When it comes to something major, I trust the pros. The trick is finding that person.

I am contemplating doing this exact same job. I currently run a 2.59 gear in a 94 Automatic. Shifting to the 3.54 gear, I have expectations of significant improvement out the hole, without major loss of mpg on cruises. I also don't want to have a lot of cockpit noise due to gear whine. I haven't ever rebuilt a rear end, although I think I could follow an installation guide and torque spec as well as the next guy. But realistically, I think I stand a greater chance of realizing my expectations by having the job done by a professional that I trust.

I like the idea of a warranty. I think you will be buying that rear end off of the forum mall, Zip products, right? Those guys have a vested interest in making you happy. The rear end will be entirely rebuilt, with proper lashing of the gears, and a warranty to go with it. The mech I am sending the job to makes his living by doing a professional job, and should be reasonably compensated for his skill, and for the "insurance period" after the install. And in the end, my time has a value too. Instead of busting knuckles and making additional trips to Napa for tools or parts I didn't think about beforehand, I can be kayaking with my girl or paintballing with my son.

If you know what to do when something goes wrong with the install, and you have the right tools, save the bucks and do it yourself. If not, trust the professionals. Just do it like Mr. Reagan said, "Trust, but verify".

:cheers:

 

The change from 2:59s to 3:54s was the best performance change I have added to my car so far. You will think you have added 50 HP after the change. Pay the extra bucks and have the rear end set up properly. If you miss the correct set up they will sing. :yesnod: