OK after not finding what I was looking for in the search I will ask it here hopefully with a quick and factual response.

I have someone wanting to trade me a fresh rebuilt 3:73 geared rear end for my used 3:42 from my 2003 Z, strait across. Sounds like a hell of a deal yeah? Well as the story unfolds I find that the gears are new but the person who rebuilt it figured these are just like any other rear end and has this one set so tight that you can't even turn the gears by hand. So this one will have to be gone through and set up properly. That's issue #1
Issue #2 is the case is a single rib not a 3 rib like mine. Owner of the diff says it supposedly came from an 01Z. Not wanting to have to "set up" 2 rear ends swapping cases may not be an option unless the 1 rib owner wants to pay the extra.
So far I have only seen the single rib cases come out of auto cars not any 6 speeds and they were 2:73 gears. The owner of the rebuilt diff is in a 2004 auto car with 2:73.

Now to my question
Was the single rib to the 3 rib case a model year change over or does it have to do with only 2:73/3:15 rears have them?
My plan may be to use this guys case if it's a 3 rib that comes out of his car, I'm really hoping it is.

Any help with this info would be greatly appreciated.

Also on a side note/question.
Does anyone know if the stock C6 2 piece short shaft is any stronger than the stock C5, and do they interchange?

Thanks

 

You might get an answer here, but a better place to post this would be in the C5 Tech section. JMO.

 

Thank you for the reply.
I'll post over there or maybe have a moderator move it.

 

Can anyone answer my questions?

 

My understanding is that the Z06s got the three (3) rib case design. The C5, LS1 6 speed manuals, got the one (1) rib design case. I believe the Z06 also came with hardened gears.

 

I don't know the answer to the questions on the single rib or 3 rib case but IMO if you are going to have to pay someone to go through the case and fix what the other guy screwed up you would be better off just buying a new or used ring and pinion and having someone install it in your diff. It wont cost you anymore and that way at least you will know what you have.

I'd stay away from that messed up diff.

 

Buy one from a shop that stands behind their work and is very familiar with these rear ends. You'll thank me when you don't have to pull it apart a second time, lol.

 

Well here may just be the answer to my question.
Let's hope the info is accurate.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...dependant.html

As for standing behind their work? Well a friend of mine and I will be standing behind our own work and that's good enough for me.