Z28 Boy

some quick background info: '91 RS with a 10-bolt - completely rebuilding rear end (literally every single piece will be replaced with new, except for possibly the axles). i didn't take note of the original shim arrangement, because it will be all new stuff.

i just recently decided to do my own gears instead of bringing my axle to somebody and paying a couple hundred bucks to have them do it. there are a couple tech articles about gear swaps, but nothing as far as installation. can anyone point me to the right direction for a good, solid guide to getting these installed correctly? i know it's not a job for the faint of heart, but i think it's worth a shot.

also, is there a need for any "special" tools, other than a dial indicator?

thanks in advance..

-brian

ede

you need a "special tool" to hold the yoke. a pinion setting tool. i use a depth mic and a tool i made to use as a datum surface. a press for the bearings, a brearing seperator, in/lb torque wrench with a dial, 0-1 mic is good to have as is a dial caliper. ft/lbs torque wrench. marking compound but i wouldn't put a lot of effort in the contact pattern, if the back lash and pinion depth is right it'll be there.

TKOPerformance

Randy's Ring & Pinion has a great guide for beginners. I would highly recommend it for a good guide. It comes free with their Yukon gear sets, or you can buy it seperately.

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

Setting up rear ends is not something an amatuer can do easily. At best you'll get lucky and get it right, and at worst you'll have whining gears that could break a tooth at any time. Its best to pay a professional the $200 to have it done.

waldershrek

If you're gonna replace everything with new, why not just get a brand new rearend like a Strange or Moser? Prolly be better in the long run and you would be sure that the internals were installed properly.

TKOPerformance

I think that setting up a rearend is something that an amature can do. I was an amature when I set up my first rear, heck technically I'm still an amature. I have no formal mechanical training. Everything I know how to do I've learned from reading and then doing, and taking the advice of the best mechanics I know when I get stuck. I have done everything that most people are scared of successfully. I've set up rearends, rebuilt automatic transmissions, re-upholstered seats, and done paint and body work. I read as much as possible before a project, keep the references handy during the work, and work slow and meticulously. Using this approach I've never had anything I've rebuilt fail or make noise. At this point I've done over a dozen rears, all with good results.

Now, for the counterpoint, if you are only ever going to do a gear swap once then it is probably cheaper and easier to just have smeone else who does a lot of them do the work. A friend of mine is a professional mechanic, and does a lot of rearends because he runs a 4x4 shop. He charges $250, and has probably done a couple hundred rears. He can just set everything up by feel, and has all the tools to work on every type of rear from Fords to Danas to Toyotas. What takes him 2-3 hours will take the average do-it-yourselfer a day or two. If your time is more valuable than your money then it pays to have the setup done for you.

Z28 Boy

haha, that is a WONDERFUL question. one that i have been asking myself lately. i would do that - but, i have all of the parts already for a rebuild on the old one. and, they weren;t cheap.

but, i still hear a voice in the background that is telling me to try to sell all that stuff, take the hit, and just get a whole new rear end. but, it's a very quiet voice that hasn't been too convincing yet. i guess we'll see.

Z28 Boy

i agee with everything you say. i think it's more of a man vs. machine thing - i don't want be "scared" (for lack of a better term) of doing something for fear of screwing it up. but, at the same time, i may just be throwing away time and money in the mean time just trying to prove something to myself that really means nothing, haha.

i think it might be worth a try nonetheless. i have done significant work to the car over the past 8 years, and haven't had a single thing go wrong yet, knock on wood. i'm a pretty patient and technically oriented guy, so i think it's possible if i take my time and dont cut corners.

yet then again, it might be easier to head to the ATM and take out a couple hundred bucks to make sure it gets done right the first time.

thanks for the replies...looks like i have a decision to make.

brian