a rear end swap might be in my future

[Piece-it pete]

Not to flog a dead horse, but is it still a more advanced job if I install a complete unit? Summits' got these for $195:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-4204-F288/

Thanks for dealing with a rearend n00b.

Pete

[mrltd]

Not to flog a dead horse, but is it still a more advanced job if I install a complete unit? Summits' got these for $195:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FMS-M-4204-F288/

Thanks for dealing with a rearend n00b.

Pete

Yeah, it's an advanced job to toss in a diff. You need some specialty tools.

[P72Ford]

Thats just the differential, Pete.

Setting up the interface between the ring and pinion gears is the difficult part. At the very least you need a dial indicator with magnetic base, a micrometer (0-1), a ft*lb torque wrench, an in*lb torque wrench, ... and a caliper never hurts, either.

A pinion depth tool would also be nice to have.

Of course, there is a member on this forum that I watched set up a set of 3.73s, by 'feel'. He knows I'm an anal bastard though, so he bought a dial indicator just to appease me. And after checking the backlash, and looking at the contact pattern between the gears, his 'feel' proved to be perfect.

And the rear has been silent since it was done, about 2 years ago.

After watching Scott (and a few other talented guys), I have successfully completed 4 gear swaps since, with no issues (2 GM 10 bolts, a 9", and a GM O type rear). I had someone ask me about putting 3.73s in a GM 10 bolt (8.5) yesterday. They're very similar to the Ford 8.8.

Its important to know how changes to the shim pack will affect the way the gears mesh. With patience and a little experience it can be done the right way.

[Piece-it pete]

Dang it, I just keep hoping that the answer will change to, sure, no problem, 20 minute job

Thanks for the info!

Pete

[mrltd]

Thats just the differential, Pete.

Setting up the interface between the ring and pinion gears is the difficult part. At the very least you need a dial indicator with magnetic base, a micrometer (0-1), a ft*lb torque wrench, an in*lb torque wrench, ... and a caliper never hurts, either.

A pinion depth tool would also be nice to have.

Of course, there is a member on this forum that I watched set up a set of 3.73s, by 'feel'. He knows I'm an anal bastard though, so he bought a dial indicator just to appease me. And after checking the backlash, and looking at the contact pattern between the gears, his 'feel' proved to be perfect.

And the rear has been silent since it was done, about 2 years ago.

After watching Scott (and a few other talented guys), I have successfully completed 4 gear swaps since, with no issues (2 GM 10 bolts, a 9", and a GM O type rear). I had someone ask me about putting 3.73s in a GM 10 bolt (8.5) yesterday. They're very similar to the Ford 8.8.

Its important to know how changes to the shim pack will affect the way the gears mesh. With patience and a little experience it can be done the right way.

Scott bought the dial indicator do appease me...And then the diff failed. Nothing to do with the install though. Stupid junk trutrack

[P72Ford]

He told me he'd never used it prior to my car... :confused:... and we both had to figure out how to adjust it (it wasn't like the rigid base one I have, it was more of a slinky thing that you could tighten in position).

Regardless... he must have known that engineers are difficult customers...

:p

[mrltd]

Mine was done after yours I think...I don't remember...Either way, two picky engineering types.

Nate, check your PM's and look at my IRS thread!

[1987cp]

IRS thread? Where did I see that .....


Ah, here it is: http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showthread.php?t=41065 (leave it to Mike never to link to anything )