GM Corporate gear change for $175, I bring the kit

[Camar068]

Got a local reputable place that will install a gear change w/master kit front/rear for $175 labor each. Does this sound right? I had a "Ford" racing shop tell me $1,000 labor for both, I bring the kits.

Huge difference in price....maybe they dislike Chevy that much?

[edit] forgot to mention, GM Corporate 10 bolt 3.08 to 3.73 on the 86 K10.

Thanks guys.

 

[yevgenievich]

$175 is about correct for a place with low overheat. $1k is a bit much. usually expect around $300 each. If place is reputable and has a person that knows what they are doing, should be fine.

 

[Camar068]

Thanks. They are. I actually didn't know the garage was as big as it is until today. They had 4 classics (including a military jeep) up front, and 4 others around the corner in the back they were working on. I'll be going their way for any custom work or questions I may have. I did find it kind of odd that the guy that does them, said the 5.3 w/4l60e should be fine with the 3.08 I have. He even rattled off a few 4x4's he knew of locally that had the same setup with larger tires and same or higher gears that are running fine. He mentioned 32" tire, 2.56 gear 4x4 thats been running for 2 yrs with no trans issues with the 5.3/700r4 combo.

After more reading, and past advice from HR, I think I'll stick with changing to 3.73 (even though he suggests 4.10 LOL). At least I found a place to have it done w/o getting jipped.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

That's a good price to do a gear swap for sure. I know a guy that would have come to my house and did them for 75 on the side, but I'm the type that would rather learn to do them and keep my money lol. I've done both my truck rears my S10 and my Chevelle with out issue. They aren't real hard to do it's just a lot of measuring and some special tools. The 4.10s in the S10 whined like a bitch with a skinned knee but they were Richmonds and were well used before I put them in.

 

[crazy4offroad]

If you have some specialty tools like a dial indicator micrometer with a stand, caliper micrometer, high ft-lb impact wrench, shop press and a few other assorted goodies you could take it on yourself. If not $175 per axle is a fair price, as long as the backlash is set right, good mesh pattern and good pinion bearing preload. In other words I would wanna check their work lol. It's like getting a block back from the machine shop, I would still want to check everything.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

And a dial inch pound torque wrench. And a holding bar for the pinion yoke.

 

[Camar068]

Would love to learn how to do it, but funds and time are the issue. If I had a spare axle to sit and play with, be a different story.

Thanks for the input guys

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Would love to learn how to do it, but funds and time are the issue. If I had a spare axle to sit and play with, be a different story.

Thanks for the input guys

I have a few lol.

 

[Camar068]

RockAuto has US Standard, Dana, and Dorman. Is Dana better than Richmond? Sucks they don't have 3.73 Dana sets.

I know there's a big difference between 3.73 and 4.10. Why isn't 3.90 more popular? I've got a feeling it's gonna be if your going up or down in that area, might as well go for it all.

I know, I know HR.....just get the damn 4.10 LOL.

Thanks Guys

 

[CSFJ]

Wasn't 3.90 a ford size? I can't recall ever seeing GM put that in anything.

 

[vkh]

I think you could get a 3.90 in a Pontiac.

 

[75gmck25]

IIRC, in cars Ford used 3.00, 3.25, 3.50, 3.91, and 4.30 (including a Detroit locker option) as ratios that could be ordered from the factory. I'm not sure what they offered in trucks.

Bruc

 

[4WDKC]

Last time I paid someone to do it cost me $250 plus parts, this is also part of the reason i swapped to 3/4 axles. I got the stronger rear axle I was going to need for towing and correct gear ratio for my tires. All cheaper than what i figured I would pay for just a gear swap.

 

[Camar068]

The last thing I can't figure out is what spline count the pinion is. Dumb question (feels like it is to me anyway), is there anyway to tell the spline count without tearing it apart? I've read it can be 28 or 30. When I order the parts, I need to get it right so the downtime is low as it's my DD.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

The last thing I can't figure out is what spline count the pinion is. Dumb question (feels like it is to me anyway), is there anyway to tell the spline count without tearing it apart? I've read it can be 28 or 30. When I order the parts, I need to get it right so the downtime is low as it's my DD.

For the axles?