2004 Corvette Upgrade Ring and Pinion Vs Complete Rear Diff
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2020
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2004 Corvette Upgrade Ring and Pinion Vs Complete Rear Diff
Just got my first corvette! An excellent condition automatic 2004 Coupe with about 70k miles. I’ve heard that the best upgrade for the automatic is having the gears upgraded. (Along with LTH, but I’m saving that for a later date)
I’m considering upgrading the gearing to 3.73. Could I just have the ring and pinion replaced or would I need to have a completely new rear differential installed?
Any major disadvantages of doing ring and pinion instead of a whole new rear diff?
I will also be having a Yank SS3200 installed while the gear work is being done as I hear it’s not much extra work.
I’m considering upgrading the gearing to 3.73. Could I just have the ring and pinion replaced or would I need to have a completely new rear differential installed?
Any major disadvantages of doing ring and pinion instead of a whole new rear diff?
I will also be having a Yank SS3200 installed while the gear work is being done as I hear it’s not much extra work.
Last edited by Matt_1994; Jan 2, 2020 at 03:14 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 714
Likes: 104
From: Springfield Ohio
I think most will advise replacing the diff rather than having gears changed. If it's a 2.73 rear end, gears can't be changed and you'll have to go to another diff anyway. You can buy used diff's at reasonable prices but I'd go with a new unit if you can afford it. The problem with used parts are that you don't generally know what you're getting. If going used, you can find 3.42 rear diff's that have been changed out more readily than a 3.73 and 3.42 are a good choice for the 4L60e.
Last edited by tbrowne; Jan 2, 2020 at 08:07 PM. Reason: fix puctuation
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: San Leandro Cali
Just got my first corvette! An excellent condition automatic 2004 Coupe with about 70k miles. I’ve heard that the best upgrade for the automatic is having the gears upgraded. (Along with LTH, but I’m saving that for a later date)
I’m considering upgrading the gearing to 3.73. Could I just have the ring and pinion replaced or would I need to have a completely new rear differential installed?
Any major disadvantages of doing ring and pinion instead of a whole new rear diff?
I will also be having a Yank SS3200 installed while the gear work is being done as I hear it’s not much extra work.
I’m considering upgrading the gearing to 3.73. Could I just have the ring and pinion replaced or would I need to have a completely new rear differential installed?
Any major disadvantages of doing ring and pinion instead of a whole new rear diff?
I will also be having a Yank SS3200 installed while the gear work is being done as I hear it’s not much extra work.
I have a 03 convertible automatic with 3.42 gears from a Z06 and i bought a whole diff. You are better buying a whole diff and get it checked or rebuild. Depending of what your future plans 3.42 is more than enough. I have an A&A supercharger with meth injection and im just spinning tires all day. I wished i did a 3.15 instead...Na setup 3.42 is more than enough...
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: San Leandro Cali
Just got my first corvette! An excellent condition automatic 2004 Coupe with about 70k miles. I’ve heard that the best upgrade for the automatic is having the gears upgraded. (Along with LTH, but I’m saving that for a later date)
I’m considering upgrading the gearing to 3.73. Could I just have the ring and pinion replaced or would I need to have a completely new rear differential installed?
Any major disadvantages of doing ring and pinion instead of a whole new rear diff?
I will also be having a Yank SS3200 installed while the gear work is being done as I hear it’s not much extra work.
I’m considering upgrading the gearing to 3.73. Could I just have the ring and pinion replaced or would I need to have a completely new rear differential installed?
Any major disadvantages of doing ring and pinion instead of a whole new rear diff?
I will also be having a Yank SS3200 installed while the gear work is being done as I hear it’s not much extra work.
Circle D 2800-3000 stall is more than enough too not unless you are building a drag car. I'm using a 2800 stall.......
