Switching ring and pinion gears
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
Switching ring and pinion gears
Correct me if I am wrong, isn't it true that you can buy a 3.73 or higher ring and pinion for $500.00. Anybody ever try changing the ring and pinion themselves. Or have have it done by a chevy dealer or someother source. I have a spare 3.15 rear and it just seems excessive to pay $795.00 just to have the ring and pinion changed when the rear is already out of the car. I have heard of one forum member getting the ring and pinion switched for $200.00 perhaps he will chime in.
98 A4
Powerloaded
Donaldson Blackwing
172 t.stat
Pro Torque 2400
3.42 gears
98 A4
Powerloaded
Donaldson Blackwing
172 t.stat
Pro Torque 2400
3.42 gears
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 798
Likes: 0
From: Manchester NH
Re: Switching ring and pinion gears (Mitch C)
Others have posted that switching just the ring and pinion is a pain in the rear (sorry about the pun) and you end up spending almost as much money on other parts to get the job done. I don't remember seeing any details, though, so hopefully someone will elaborate on why the consensus seems to be to buy the whole case instead of just the gears.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Re: Switching ring and pinion gears (pburant)
If it is anything like a conventional differentual (sp) then it is not as simple as unbolting one set of gears and bolting up a another. The tollerances are very precise, and shims are used to get the gears to mesh with a specified amount of backlash.
Makes one conclude that this is not a DIY project unless you have past experience with it.
[Modified by Mike Mercury, 10:18 AM 5/28/2002]
Makes one conclude that this is not a DIY project unless you have past experience with it.
[Modified by Mike Mercury, 10:18 AM 5/28/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 1
From: Morganton, NC, USA
Re: Switching ring and pinion gears (pburant)
I've never done it myself because of the specific mechanical expertise and equipment needed. It's probalbly like learning to lay bricks: once you've done it 4 or 5 times, you've learned how to do it right. I have read the procedure in a couple service manuals for different cars. The two gears have to be "aligned" in order to get the proper meshing shown by a contact pattern, then one or both gear shaft/bearing assemblies have to be properly preloaded. This usually involves using a dial indicator and torque wrench, once you have to proper procedure. If I ever wanted to make the change, I'd take my rear end and new gears to an independant transmission shop that can set up rear ends, and ask them how much to change out the ring and pinion. :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Re: Switching ring and pinion gears (2kbluestreak)
If I ever wanted to make the change, I'd take my rear end and new gears to an independant transmission shop that can set up rear ends, and ask them how much to change out the ring and pinion
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 5,005
Likes: 38
From: jackson nj
Re: Switching ring and pinion gears (Mitch C)
If you want it done locally, just contact Cartek in Garwood, NJ ( 908-317-4496) as they can do it in a few hours for you. They have done a bunch and have 3.90's in stock, others available on special order, or a few days if you will.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Warren MI
Re: Switching ring and pinion gears (Red98C5)
I had a 410 installed in my 99 for $1318 complete. That's parts, labor, comsumables. I dropped the vehicle off on monday and picked it up on wednesday. Its great and no extra pig to store. I do still have the 342 ring and pinion that i'm gonna sell.
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Brett Foote
Platinum Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,730
Likes: 270
From: VENTURA Ca
Re: Switching ring and pinion gears (IH8PONYS)
I changed the Ring & Pinion and it ended up costing me as much as just buying a unit. I ahd planned on buying gears and having them assembled for resale but it was more feasable to just buy the units and sell them. I have 3.90 and 4.10 units for $1195 exch. or $1595 outright.
As for gas mileage? You may find this hard to believe but it hardly affected it at all. I can still get 30 if I'm careful. I towed a 2100 pound jet ski trailer to Havasu and back and still got 23! I thought that was great.
As for gas mileage? You may find this hard to believe but it hardly affected it at all. I can still get 30 if I'm careful. I towed a 2100 pound jet ski trailer to Havasu and back and still got 23! I thought that was great.
