Can anyone tell me what is the best way or easy way to upgrade my rear end. I want something that bolts right up without using some special tools. I just don't like bringing my car to a shop I like doing thing myself. also what is a locker? This was recommended to me instead of a posi.

Thanks

 

Unless you have special tools such as a dial indicator, you should leave that to the pros, unless you find a whole axle assembly that you can install. The problem with just bolting gears into an existing housing is that the gears need to be set up and spaced correctly to avoid friction and breakage.

My choice for a differential is Eaton's posi unit, it is rebuildable and uses a clutch type design. If it wears out, you end up with an open rear until you rebuild it, so you don't have to park the car.

I have no experience with lockers.

 

If you replace the rear gears...either just the gears or the carrier/posi unit as well as the gears, there aren't too many special tools you need. You will want to set your spacing...but most rear end install kits come with marking compound and shims(I think...you may have to order a deluxe kit or something though). After the gears are in you place the marking compound on them, spin them around and check the pattern...if it is off, you pull it apart, add shims, then do it again. Can be a long process.

 

A kit of tools to do the install would be at least $100. DTS in Warren said they would install a diff and gears for about $300. This way you know it's right, you run less chance of ruining your new parts and you don't spend all day or weekend installing and removing gears. Money well spent in my opinion. I know several racers who are very proficient in regards to mechanical ability that send their cars to rearend shops for this. Still, it's only my opinion/advice.

 

The powertrax locker would be an easy install. The carrier and gears stay in the rear-end. I've been running a powertrax for 6+ years now. However, you want to install gears too. You HAVE to set them up correct--it can make the difference between lasting 2 blocks and 10 years.

 

yeah, the kit to do it is easily $100 to $150. If you can find a shop that will do it for around $300 including labor, that is the way to go just for the headaches you will save. If you do it yourself, alignment of the gears is important!

 

I just bought a whole rearend for my car. It was from a 91 Z28 with 68,000 miles on it. It was rebuilt with 3.73 motive gears and stock posi unit. I had to drive 2 hours to get it though. Only cost me $200 too

 

Good find, wanna sell it for $225?

 

yeah right!!! I have a bent axel in my rear now I've been driven around the car like that for 4 years now

 

that is a good find! Too bad it doesn't have the disk brakes as well.

 

I have a rear axle w/ posi and disk brakes and porportioning valve. I am told it's from a '91 T/A. Problem is, it was given to me in pieces. I believe it's a 3.27.

I bought it to bolt on my '87sc. It sounds like I need some special tools to do this??? I don't know if I want the aggrivation. Anybody interested in it? I'm in east TN.

Bj

 

Just curious as to what it is like for you driving the car
with a bent axle, because my car either has bent axle
or axle bearings went bad or something worse.
(still investigating the right axle).

For my car the vibrations went all the way to the driveshaft
shaking the u-joints until the car was undriveable..

Have you experince any vibrations like this?