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Gearset Changes in a C5

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Old Mar 9, 2005 | 05:53 PM
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Default Gearset Changes in a C5

Someone explain to me what it takes to change the rear end gears. Do you need a totally different Diff or can you just swap in a set of gears like you can in an F-Body? I want 4.10's but not if i have to pay out the *** for it.
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Old Mar 9, 2005 | 08:13 PM
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You can pull out the diff yourself and save yourself around $500. I would not suggest putting the gears in the diff yourself. You need special tools and the skill to do the job. The Getrag differential is also a different animal from other rear ends. You have to set the proper tolerances or kaboom.
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Old Mar 9, 2005 | 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Cajundude
You can pull out the diff yourself and save yourself around $500. I would not suggest putting the gears in the diff yourself. You need special tools and the skill to do the job. The Getrag differential is also a different animal from other rear ends. You have to set the proper tolerances or kaboom.
Kajun,

What other gearsets fit in my stock Diff? 4.10's? 3.73's?
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Old Mar 9, 2005 | 08:30 PM
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I would not suggest putting the gears in the diff yourself. You need special tools and the skill to do the job. The Getrag differential is also a different animal from other rear ends. You have to set the proper tolerances or kaboom.


the rear diff (called a "carrier" on the C5) is not super easy to remove/install... so take your time and do it right the first time.

look here for more details:
http://mikemercury.home.att.net/342.htm
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Old Mar 9, 2005 | 08:49 PM
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Depends on what series carrier you have. If you have the first series you will need to get it set up by DTE. If you have second or third you should be able to find a shop that can do it but make sure you go to a place that is familiar with the Getrag carrier. I used Mike's instructions and Dope's instructions and then between the two created my own which you can see here:

http://www.cajundude.com/differential.htm
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 12:29 AM
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WOW, now that is a writeup. Mike, yours was good but I am afraid cajundude has definitely upgraded the tutorial. GOod job. I almost feel confident I would do it myself. Defintely saving this page. Thanks,

Jim K.
Originally Posted by Cajundude
Depends on what series carrier you have. If you have the first series you will need to get it set up by DTE. If you have second or third you should be able to find a shop that can do it but make sure you go to a place that is familiar with the Getrag carrier. I used Mike's instructions and Dope's instructions and then between the two created my own which you can see here:

http://www.cajundude.com/differential.htm
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 12:50 AM
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Great write up!!!!
but ....I think I will let a pro do mine. I'm get'n to old to lay on my back on hard concrete for that long of a time.
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 08:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Cajundude
Depends on what series carrier you have. If you have the first series you will need to get it set up by DTE. If you have second or third you should be able to find a shop that can do it but make sure you go to a place that is familiar with the Getrag carrier. I used Mike's instructions and Dope's instructions and then between the two created my own which you can see here:

http://www.cajundude.com/differential.htm
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 09:38 AM
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Originally Posted by BlownV6
What other gearsets fit in my stock Diff? 4.10's? 3.73's?
With the Gertrag carrier, you can get 2.73s (stock A4 in unique case, as mentioned, DTE is the only shop modifying for bigger gears) 3.15s (A4 performance axle), 3.42s (M6 stock), 3.73s, 3.90s, 4.10s. Supposedly, lower sets like 4.56s were investigated , but strength became a problem. A lot depends on what you have now, and what your plans are for the car (i.e. street, drag strip, Heads/Cam, Supercharger, etc) Let us know and you will get some good recommendations.

Last edited by fdxpilot; Mar 11, 2005 at 09:41 AM.
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 01:35 PM
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WOW, now that is a writeup. Mike, yours was good but I am afraid cajundude has definitely upgraded the tutorial
there's no competition here amongst those of us that share our info. I even link to others pages on the same subjects.

Don't even attempt to pit one forum poster against another. That's not how we do things 'round here. Dis ain't no Mustang forum
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 02:01 PM
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No Mustangs! If it wasn't for Mike's and Dope's instuctions, I wouldn't have one made up.
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 04:14 PM
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Don't forget if you're redueing the gears beyond 3.15's, you also have to recalibrate the speedometer for the A4.
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by JoshVette
Don't forget if you're redueing the gears beyond 3.15's, you also have to recalibrate the speedometer for the A4.

The speedo is fine fine no matter wich gear you choose, it's the shift points of the trans that need to be recalibrated

If anyone is in need of a gear swap feel free to give us a buzz, we have gears in stock ready to go. 609-752-0321
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 05:11 PM
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Oops, hope you didn't take my post the wrong way. Definitely no competition here. Cajun even admitted to using yours as well as another to accomplish his change out. I too will use any and all writeup available. Good job to both, new and old. Hey, I owned a Mustang once upon a high school year. Maybe I shouldn't admit that.


Originally Posted by Mike Mercury
there's no competition here amongst those of us that share our info. I even link to others pages on the same subjects.

Don't even attempt to pit one forum poster against another. That's not how we do things 'round here. Dis ain't no Mustang forum
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 06:35 PM
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Don't forget if you're redueing the gears beyond 3.15's, you also have to recalibrate the speedometer for the A4
sorry, but that's 100% incorrect. There is never speedo error induced with any rear ratio change on the C5.

Hey, I owned a Mustang once upon a high school year. Maybe I shouldn't admit that.
When there are problems encountered by Corvette owners from Mustangs.... is never the car... it's the Mustang drivers attitude.

The "car" has always been (well... except for that Mustang II)
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 06:51 PM
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I watched ECS do my gear change today from stock to 4.10s and after watching everything involved I am glad that I left it to the people that have done a ton before and had a lift.
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 07:16 PM
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I sold my Mustang to get my Vette.
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 07:37 PM
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Hey Cajun,

I finally got my diff from DTE yesterday and have an appointment with Texas Auto Gear for Tuesday, they're going to install the diff brace also. Thanks again for the info
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 08:55 PM
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Excellent!
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 10:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Wicked Weasel
I watched ECS do my gear change today from stock to 4.10s and after watching everything involved I am glad that I left it to the people that have done a ton before and had a lift.
How much did you pay for the gear swap? Where is ECS located? I'm in Eastern Pa
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