Tools?
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 539
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From: Chico, CA
Car: 89 Firebird, 92 RS
Engine: 2.8L MPFI, 355 TPI
Transmission: t-5, t-5
Axle/Gears: open 3.42, posi 3.42
Tools?
What tools will I need for a ring and pinion job on my 3-series 10-bolt? besides ft/lbs and in/lbs torque wrenches, what am i going to need? I want to get them all before I start anything.
special tools that is, not mundane things like sockets and extensions or whatnot.
special tools that is, not mundane things like sockets and extensions or whatnot.
these guys have a pretty good list:
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/fscu/axletech/
major things I can think of:
- Shop press is very nice to have ($170 at harbor freight)
- bearing splitter (I bought harbor freight for $20) but if I was to do it over again, I'd pick up OTC one (made in USA). I saw one on ebay few days ago for $35. definitely worth it.
- gear pullers (I use el chipo harbor freight) and replace them with quality ones as they break. for this job they are fine.
- in-lbs torque wrench cannot be clicker. Couldn't find one locally. Bought from randy's for $60
- dial calipers and dial indicator with magnetic stand. Bought all these off e-bay for total around ~$40. Used them and they are decent tools, but of course, made in China
- Impact wrench is very nice to have since without it you'll have hell of a time assembling/disassebling the thing multiple times. But if you don't have one yet, you should buy it for the shop in general, not just rear end job.
- I also bought setup pinion bearings (precisiongear.com I think). They are $50 bucks and they allow you to set everything up without having to use press/pullers with each attempt. Some people just hone out old bearings for this.
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/fscu/axletech/
major things I can think of:
- Shop press is very nice to have ($170 at harbor freight)
- bearing splitter (I bought harbor freight for $20) but if I was to do it over again, I'd pick up OTC one (made in USA). I saw one on ebay few days ago for $35. definitely worth it.
- gear pullers (I use el chipo harbor freight) and replace them with quality ones as they break. for this job they are fine.
- in-lbs torque wrench cannot be clicker. Couldn't find one locally. Bought from randy's for $60
- dial calipers and dial indicator with magnetic stand. Bought all these off e-bay for total around ~$40. Used them and they are decent tools, but of course, made in China
- Impact wrench is very nice to have since without it you'll have hell of a time assembling/disassebling the thing multiple times. But if you don't have one yet, you should buy it for the shop in general, not just rear end job.
- I also bought setup pinion bearings (precisiongear.com I think). They are $50 bucks and they allow you to set everything up without having to use press/pullers with each attempt. Some people just hone out old bearings for this.
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tyeo098
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