Is it difficult to change the ring and pinion?

itmdave

itmdave

Forum Member
I posted this on the General Tech Help forum this morning got no response so I thought I would try the Pub.
I have never even opened a rear axle and it sound like about $500+ just to swap out the ring and pinion. I want to try different gear ratios to see what works best for me and running to the local shop each time will get expensive. I am told that you need a backlash gauge and maybe some other special tools. And you need to make sure that certain measurements are met. Is this something a backyard mechanic can figure out or is it best left to the pros? Also is buying a used set of gears at a fraction of the cost of new ones OK or should you always buy a new set? :headscrat Thanks for any help
 
If you don't know what you're doing leave it to someone who does.

I recommend Scott Koresky at Driveline Solutions 586-630-1098 he's very knowledgeable and does things right.
 
Your rear end gearing doesn't have to be trial and error, it isn't hard to manually figure out what RPM you will be turning at what speed, but there are also a lot of calculators out there that can help you too.
 
the tools to do it properly are pretty much needed since its a trial and error process. At the bare minimum you need a dial indicator, bearing puller, and a press.
 
Here's a pretty reasonable calculator that appears pretty easy to use for figuring out what RPM you'll be turning at what speed to help you judge what rear end for driving it on the freeway. You've got plenty of torque and power from what you've said before, with the stall and everything the thing just isn't going to feel like a slug, figure out what RPM you want to be turning at 70 or whatever speed you figure you'll be going and pick the gear that gets you there.

http://www.angelfire.com/fl/procrastination/rear.html

Here's one that will even figure your tire height for you, it's geared toward Mustangs but on the gear ratios if you go near the bottom there's an option for 1:1, which would be 3rd gear in your auto.
http://www.corral.net/tech/gearcalc.html
 
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have scott at drive line soulitions do it. he does GREAT work at a even better price. i had my car back within a few hours of taking it to him
 
Thanks a great help just what a newbie needs you and the calculators just saved me money and time.
 
It is easy to bolt together, but tough to do right. You have to be able to read the gear wipe pattern between the ring and pinion. I would leave it to a pro.

-Geoff
 
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