Differential swap question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: CIGAR CITY (TAMPA) FL
Differential swap question
I have a 2003 A4 with 2:73 rear diff. What is involved in swapping to a 3:42 Z06 diff? I tried a search and couldn't find any similar question.
Thanks, Bill
Thanks, Bill
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 253
Likes: 13
From: Clearwater Florida
Although I have never done this before, I would be willing to lend a hand. I live in Clearwater.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
A 3.42 diff is a direct swap. As long as its in working order, you wont need anything special. But everyone will tell you, now is the time to do a higher stall converter while your at it. You will pay for the labor twice if you decide to later. And if you have big power plans in the future, build the diff with stronger parts. IE: C6 output shafts because the C5's are weak, etc. I'd grab a solid transmission mount too. Will stop wheel hop and lessen the likelihood of breakage.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,356
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
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From: Lake Elsinore, CA
You can see the sensor connector on the diff in this pic.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
OP, replace all the seals/O-rings while you're at it.
Also, if you source a diff from a manual car, realize that you need to transfer the A4 adapter plate from your diff to your new one. The adapter plate fits into the recess on the front of the diff pictured here.
Here's a thread I posted on several mods I did, including swapping in a 3.42 for the 2.73 diff. I also installed a high stall converter. I adjusted the shift points and pressures using EFILive.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...mega-pics.html
Also, if you source a diff from a manual car, realize that you need to transfer the A4 adapter plate from your diff to your new one. The adapter plate fits into the recess on the front of the diff pictured here.
Here's a thread I posted on several mods I did, including swapping in a 3.42 for the 2.73 diff. I also installed a high stall converter. I adjusted the shift points and pressures using EFILive.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...mega-pics.html
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,356
Likes: 2,893
From: Fort Worth, Texas
OP, replace all the seals/O-rings while you're at it.
Also, if you source a diff from a manual car, realize that you need to transfer the A4 adapter plate from your diff to your new one. The adapter plate fits into the recess on the front of the diff pictured here.
Here's a thread I posted on several mods I did, including swapping in a 3.42 for the 2.73 diff. I also installed a high stall converter. I adjusted the shift points and pressures using EFILive.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...mega-pics.html
Also, if you source a diff from a manual car, realize that you need to transfer the A4 adapter plate from your diff to your new one. The adapter plate fits into the recess on the front of the diff pictured here.
Here's a thread I posted on several mods I did, including swapping in a 3.42 for the 2.73 diff. I also installed a high stall converter. I adjusted the shift points and pressures using EFILive.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...mega-pics.html
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
the sensor wiring all looks good. it does read something but its way way off. for example at 20mph it reads 0 but at 65 its within reads around 30mph. i also swapped out sensors and still the exact same issue. during instalation the wire did break but i soldered a new connector back on. could it be i accidentally got the wires backwards?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,356
Likes: 2,893
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
LOTS of good info above!!
Any used C5/c6 differential, needs to be disassembled and examined. At a MINIMUM,,,,,,,, New seals need to be installed.
Most C5 differentials have worn antislip clutches. Most have BROKEN Clutch Springs They are large bent washers(Belleville Washers ) that apply the correct preload on the Limited Slip Clutch Packs. When they break, the clutches slip excessively and wear out prematurely.
Here are some Post that detail how to install C6 Differential part into your C5 Differential. This a a DO IT YOUR SELF project and is a great bang for the buck!!
- C5, ragtopws6 , Upgrading your C5 rear with C6 Z06 guts, : http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...-z06-guts.html
-
- C5, Its_Go_Time, Output Shaft Install - Left and Right: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...post1573407966
- C5 Differential Seal replacement: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...on-photos.html
-
Any used C5/c6 differential, needs to be disassembled and examined. At a MINIMUM,,,,,,,, New seals need to be installed.
Most C5 differentials have worn antislip clutches. Most have BROKEN Clutch Springs They are large bent washers(Belleville Washers ) that apply the correct preload on the Limited Slip Clutch Packs. When they break, the clutches slip excessively and wear out prematurely.
Here are some Post that detail how to install C6 Differential part into your C5 Differential. This a a DO IT YOUR SELF project and is a great bang for the buck!!
- C5, ragtopws6 , Upgrading your C5 rear with C6 Z06 guts, : http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...-z06-guts.html
-
- C5, Its_Go_Time, Output Shaft Install - Left and Right: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...post1573407966
- C5 Differential Seal replacement: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...on-photos.html
-
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Feb 11, 2014 at 04:19 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 651
Likes: 33
From: North Port Florida
Just finished swapping out the 2:73 diff. For thr 3:42. Bill is right, you should disassemble and inspect and replace. All seals anf o rings. Mine had one cracked bellville washer. Also installed a 3000 stall convertor from phoenix trasmissions along with a huge trans. Cooler.difference in performance is remarkable.makes an overly civilized car a little rawer.now for the new LS-6 installation and i should be happy!!!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California