I'll start by saying yes, i have done a search and have come up with a few different things. anyway, i am looking for people that have swapped gears and those that have done it and gone back to stock or to a diferent ratio. I have 05, Z51 MN6, CAI, stat and axle back exhaust. Future mods are built L92 heads, L76 intake, cam, headers, xpipe and tune. I was thinking of putting 4.10 gears in the car but after reading what I did, it is too much for city driving. i have owned and drivin other cars with 3.73 and 4.10 so I know what the feel is like. right now this is a DD but will be garaged by the time I get to the gears. My questions are:

1) Are you happy with 4.10
2) If you went to a different gear, why?
3) Should I stay with the 3.42s?

I wont be putting the car on the track that often (so I say now) and will be using it as a weekend cruiser when its all said and done. I know this is a loaded quesiton so I am prepared for some of the replies.

Also, I am thinking of rebuilding the diffy myself. I know the 05 is weak so I will be getting new input shafts when I do this. Since the car wont be needed and can have some downtime, I would rather do it myself and save some $$$. And yes, I have rebuilt a diffy before.

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Another question. What size diffy do the C6s have? I know that GM used to use a 8" but Im seeing that is different on the C6. I am trying to find a place to order gears from.

 

From whats been posted here on the forum the '05 C6 differential problem seemed to be the case, not the gears or axles. Setting up a Corvette IRS rear is a procedure that requires special tools and knowledge for proper gear lash and tooth pattern. You might be money ahead buying a built '06 or later rear from a Professional.

The 3.42 gear ratio is well suited for the transmission ratios and tire sizes. The 3.73 and 4.10 are better suited to a drag tire only car and will put even more strain on the differential.

Bear in mind that the higher ratio gears have smaller gear teeth on the same diameter ring and pinion as the 3.42. Smaller gear teeth = less strength.

 

I think that the 4:10's shine in city driving. I'll keep mine too. It is your call whether to stay with the 3:42's. Be a big boy and make your own call.

Have you built a IRS differential before, I understand it takes some special tools.

Good Luck with your choice.

 

You can buy the separate gears from rpm or dte I believe. You shouldnt need too many special tools to rebuild the diff. Just a press from what Ive heard. Another member that Im friends with (corvettedon) rebuilt his C5 diff in his garage. A lot of people like the 4.10 others hate it. I say take a drive with someone that has the 4.10 and see how you like it.

 

Boomer111 -- nope, never built an IRS before. Thats what Im kinda hesitant about. Not sure if its so much different than others but you never know.

c6 batmobile -- yeah, you are right. i think im going to find some others in my area with different gearing and compare. Prolly the best way to do it.

haljensen -- back in the day, i have run other cars (fbodies and stangs) with a different size gear and a mix of different tires. i know what you mean by higher gears need more tire to the ground and a bigger wheel size. most of the cars i drove then only had 17s in the rear so you could tell that a bigger tire would be a little more solid.

 

Regarding the IRS rebuilding. When I went looking locally for a ring and pinon swap everybody told me they do not do IRS set up , too expansive to retool. That is what led me to DTE complete diff. exchange. I guess there is not much call for IRS work. I really do not know, by no means am I a mechanic.

 

shizcat,

We have MANY C6 differential option available. The 05 differential is know for having MAJOR durability issues with the case. We have had many customers who have broken them with 100% stock cars on the street. Setting up a C5/C6 differential is a pretty involved job. Please feel free to give us a call and we can talk about your options. If there is anything else we can do for you let us know.