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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 02:09 PM
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Was wondering how hard is it to change a diff. I have the 2:73 and want to go up to a 3:42. I don't have a lift and trying to find someone in Utah to do it for less than $2500 is impossible. Thanks in advance.
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by brit2001
Was wondering how hard is it to change a diff. I have the 2:73 and want to go up to a 3:42. I don't have a lift and trying to find someone in Utah to do it for less than $2500 is impossible. Thanks in advance.
You'd be surprised how simple it is. I just did my clutch and pulled the diff to have different gears installed. It will be time consuming, but very straght forward. And the tranny doesn't have to come out to do it. Took me about 3 hours to get to a point that I could pull the diff. I was on the floor in my garage with hand tools.

No special tools required, it just slides right out. If you want me to type up some instructons, PM me as I most lkely won't continue to search out this thread.
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 02:42 PM
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Originally Posted by IM28702
You'd be surprised how simple it is. I just did my clutch and pulled the diff to have different gears installed. It will be time consuming, but very straght forward. And the tranny doesn't have to come out to do it. Took me about 3 hours to get to a point that I could pull the diff. I was on the floor in my garage with hand tools.

No special tools required, it just slides right out. If you want me to type up some instructons, PM me as I most lkely won't continue to search out this thread.
You would be surprised but a lift would help.
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by IM28702
You'd be surprised how simple it is. I just did my clutch and pulled the diff to have different gears installed. It will be time consuming, but very straght forward. And the tranny doesn't have to come out to do it. Took me about 3 hours to get to a point that I could pull the diff. I was on the floor in my garage with hand tools.

No special tools required, it just slides right out. If you want me to type up some instructons, PM me as I most lkely won't continue to search out this thread.
Thanks for the info. It's still to cold here in Utah to be crawling around on the floor but when the time comes I'll PM you. Thanks again
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 04:54 PM
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What are your plans to get the PCM re-programmed once the new rear end is in? Aren't you going to get a tune?
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 04:59 PM
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Originally Posted by brit2001
Was wondering how hard is it to change a diff. I have the 2:73 and want to go up to a 3:42. I don't have a lift and trying to find someone in Utah to do it for less than $2500 is impossible. Thanks in advance.
You should have no problem whatsoever!

That is a really high estimate so you'll be good!

Try to find one used off a Z06 or MN6 and you'll save even more it should only cost about $600 to have it swapped out!

Thanks,Matt
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 05:18 PM
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Buy one for $1,200. and get the slealership to install it. They should be able to do it for $1,000. including reprograming the PCM.
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 06:11 PM
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Originally Posted by brit2001
Thanks for the info. It's still to cold here in Utah to be crawling around on the floor but when the time comes I'll PM you. Thanks again
I have a programer to change the computer.
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 06:13 PM
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Originally Posted by 4DRUSH
Buy one for $1,200. and get the slealership to install it. They should be able to do it for $1,000. including reprograming the PCM.
I talked to a dealer here and they asked why do I want to change it and than said it would cost between $1500-$2000.
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 07:34 PM
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Originally Posted by brit2001
I talked to a dealer here and they asked why do I want to change it and than said it would cost between $1500-$2000.
Thats to much $.
It's only a 8 hr job tops. $100. hr x 8 = $800. + trans seal, gear oil $200.
Go to another slealership that knows whats going on.
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 08:52 PM
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brit2001; here's a swap tutorial:
http://mikemercury.home.att.net/342.htm

Originally Posted by 4DRUSH
Buy one for $1,200. and get the slealership to install it. They should be able to do it for $1,000. including reprograming the PCM.
the dealership won't be able to use their GM Tech Tool II because it won't allow the selection of non-factory ratios for the A4. All it will allow is the selection of the 2.73 and 3.15 ratios on an A4.

If a dealer does this for the 3.42, then they will have to use an aftermarket non-GM tuner setup.
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 08:58 PM
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Originally Posted by brit2001
Thanks for the info. It's still to cold here in Utah to be crawling around on the floor but when the time comes I'll PM you. Thanks again
All you need is a heater and a garage. I just pulled the diff and trans out of mine. Went out it was -6 with windchill around -20. It was nice and toasty 50-60 in the garage. If you were closer you could use part of my garage.
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Old Jan 20, 2008 | 09:07 PM
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ls1 tech has some good do it yourself instructions. I watched it done twice at a "pro shop" took them less than 4 hours.
And, for that kind of money,I would take a long weekend and drive someplace to get one slapped in. Maybe a guy at the local chevy dealer would do it on the side, or help you. I would email a local club and ask if they knew any local mechanics. It is worth doing.
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Old Jan 21, 2008 | 10:54 AM
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Thanks for all the info. I do have a few buddies that are good mechanics so I may try and take it on myself. I have thought about a road trip to california to get it done. I have family in L.A. and Sacromento but don't know any shops to call.
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