Cost for Differential rebuild
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,736
Likes: 7
From: Redding CA
I don't know what you'd pay to have one rebuilt but you can buy a used Z06 diff for about 500 bucks in the FS section. New is around 1400.
You've got to be looking at least 3-400 for a diff..another couple hundred for labor and this is if you bring it to them out of the car. Might as well do gears and bearings while it's all apart with 110K..another few hundred.
You've got to be looking at least 3-400 for a diff..another couple hundred for labor and this is if you bring it to them out of the car. Might as well do gears and bearings while it's all apart with 110K..another few hundred.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 628
Likes: 4
From: Columbia SC
Don't know if increased performance is of interest to you, but if you rebuild/replace your existing differential with a 3.42 ratio it perks up the car substantially for very little MPG penalty. You probably have a 2.73 right now--possibly a 3.15 ratio.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 18,666
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From: Tampa FL
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12'-'13-'14-'15
Last edited by Cajun @ Edgyvette; Mar 23, 2011 at 02:02 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, California
I have a 3.15 ratio and was just wondering what people have paid to get a shop to remove and rebuild it. I know someone that has quoted me $1,600-$2,000. Dealer is saying closer to $4,000. This job is way above my skill set.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,736
Likes: 7
From: Redding CA
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Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: San Deigo California
Diff rebuilds are not hard. The cost of the tools is less than the thousands or dollars people are mentioning. For me, the hardest part is not the rebuild, but the install and removal of the unit.
You need a differential spreader and some good micrometers and dial gauges. And you can build a spreader from 1/2" angle stock. Any interest in a picture of mine?
You need a differential spreader and some good micrometers and dial gauges. And you can build a spreader from 1/2" angle stock. Any interest in a picture of mine?
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
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From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Tech Contributor
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 782
Likes: 45
From: Toronto Ontario
C5 diffs don't need a spreader! The case splits sideways at the RH cover. You will however need quite a few special tools to work on it...especially to measure and calculate the proper shims.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Differential
Im from vancouver wa...my 1999 corvette 6 speed i just purshased needs a differential. Was told a piece broke off??. Anyways the dealership quoted me around 4200...ouch. Or course im oblivious to any of this stuff. So im wondering if thats a accurant dollar amount. It seems steep and again i havent a clue
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Im from vancouver wa...my 1999 corvette 6 speed i just purshased needs a differential. Was told a piece broke off??. Anyways the dealership quoted me around 4200...ouch. Or course im oblivious to any of this stuff. So im wondering if thats a accurant dollar amount. It seems steep and again i havent a clue
You should look in the parts for sale for a differential. You are looking for a rear with 3.42 gearing. You can probably get on for less than $1K. The fun part will be getting installed as you have to drop the back cradle to change it. I would look for a local shop that works on corvettes to see what they would charge to install it. I figure about 4 hours of labor. Take a look on ebay and the forum C5 part sales.
Best of luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 776
Likes: 246
From: KY
I have posted in a couple of threads as I am doing a diff swap right now. I would advise against a rebuild and just buy another and swap it out. You can do that if you can find the diff for around $250 for about $1K total if you're willing to do some work yourself. If not, make it $1.5 - 2K. Add whatever $ above the $250 I allotted for the diff to the total. You could get a good used 3.42 diff installed for around the same price that you would pay to get your diff rebuilt and could still have your diff to sell for a $100 or $200 as a core.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,550
Likes: 324
From: Mid Ohio
Last edited by wydopnthrtl; Oct 30, 2020 at 07:02 PM.
