Searched, and now more confused--Gear install kit

[mjparme]

Ok, I searched on this topic and now I am more confused than I was. To go from my 3.08's to 3.42's/LSD do I need the $120 install kit from SLP.

From reading the posts I found during searching it only appears there are a few bearings and shims (whatever those are) that are needed from the kit. $120 seems like a lot to pay for just a few small parts.

Any other options rather than buying the $120 kit? I did hear some rumblings about a $20 half kit that has the parts we need but couldn't find out much about it. Also, I have a 99, do I have a 7.5" 10 bolt rear-end?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[ October 24, 2003: Message edited by: mjparme ]</p>

[ravenp]

That's actually a good price for all the bearings and shims you'll need... dont' go cheap on it.

[ellik]

there are like 3 versions of the kit and the COMPLETE rebuild kit is 130. that has all the shims and bearings to rebuild your rear end, which really is worth it if you are going to the trouble of having the thing tore apart and put back together again. you could get the basic kit cheaper, but i would spend the few extra dollars to ensure your not going to have one of the other bearings go on you in another 20,000 miles and have to redo the whole process again. i just did the rebuild and got the ratech kit from thunder racing along with the motive gears. dont know how true it is, but my mechanic (who rebuilds rear ends for a livin) told me that he would only do it if i got motives... said they are much easier to align than the richmonds. i think slp actually has their gears manufactured by motive and stamped slp. also, you need the slp reluctor ring in order to keep your abs working... i picked that up along with the torsion posi from ammperformance... $95 and $19... best prices on those two items.

[FireFighter]

yes you do have a 7.5'' 10 bolt and yes get the kit.

[mjparme]

Ok, thanks for the info! I knew all the parts I needed, just couldn't find a clear answer about the install kit through searching.

Here is my part list then:

From SLP

64047 Installation Kit 119.95
64501T Zexel-Torsen LSD 99.95
64048 3.42 Gears 239.95
26029 ABS Reluctor Ring 19.95

From intense-racing.com
TechEdge Mini-Speedometer Recalibrator 99.99

ellik, I will check out those prices at ammperformance...thanks for the lead.

Has anyone going to 3.42's have a problem with their cruise control? Seemed to be an issue with people that had 3.73's and up.

Oh yeah, according to SLP's site their gears are from Motive. It appears most people prefer the Motives as some people claim the Richmonds whine.

[ October 24, 2003: Message edited by: mjparme ]</p>

[mjparme]

Hmm, just went to ammperformance as ellik suggested and their prices are cheaper. Odd though, since it has the SLP logo by the parts.

at ammperformance.com (Camaro/Firebird drivetrain section)

Install Kit 114.95
Zexel-Torsen 94.50
3.42 Gears 229.95

[ellik]

dont think ive used my cruise since i put the gears in.. ill try it on the way home tonight and post to let you know.

[Mister_Johnny99]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> Hmm, just went to ammperformance as ellik suggested and their prices are cheaper. Odd though, since it has the SLP logo by the parts. <hr></blockquote>
Alot of places sell SLP parts discounted.
SLP is the manufacturer. The prices they show are "list prices". Sometimes they run special deals, but thier dealers get special pricing so they can sell cheaper all the time.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> Has anyone going to 3.42's have a problem with their cruise control? Seemed to be an issue with people that had 3.73's and up. <hr></blockquote>
It's not so much a problem with the gears as long as you correct the speedo. The computer can't be programmed to accept 3.73's, so the speedo and cruize get bogus information. If you use the recalibrater to fool the computer, I think you're ok.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> From reading the posts I found during searching it only appears there are a few bearings and shims (whatever those are) that are needed from the kit. $120 seems like a lot to pay for just a few small parts.

<hr></blockquote>
They may be small, but they're all precision ground parts. The shims go behind the bearings to preload them so the gears don't make clunking noises and break. By moving shims from one side to the other, you change how the gears mesh with each other so they don't break or whine. Every set of gears is a little different, so they have to be mated exactly right. Remember, all the power from your engine is transfering through just a couple of small teeth on those gears. Under power, the teeth actually deform a little, so if they're not properly meshed when at rest, when you load them they can try to push away from each other and break off!
If there is nothing wrong with your rear now, don't bother with the bearings. If the old gears have damage, or high mileage then now's the time to change the bearings. If one of them is slightly damaged and you re-use it without realizing, you'll be re-doing this whole job again soon.
The kit also includes a crush collar and pinion nut, which are one-time use parts. In other words, once you use them, they cannot be re-used, so every time you remove/install pinion gear, you need a new crush collar and nut.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> Also, I have a 99, do I have a 7.5" 10 bolt rear-end?<hr></blockquote>
I believe the later ones are all 7-5/8, but most of the parts are interchangeble.
Also, no-one mentioned it, but the carier/LSD-unit is different for the lower gears. I see you're getting the ABS reluctor, so you've already got that covered.

[ October 25, 2003: Message edited by: Mister_Johnny99 ]</p>

[mjparme]

Hey, Mister Johnny, thanks for the additional info!

[95Batmobile]

Did you buy your stuff already?

If you havn't I would recommend a totally different setup lol.

I would get the Motive Performance gears because they are made by GM and will pattern in A LOT better than any other gear out there. Also, I got the Ratech install kit for my gears which is supposed to be the best. Some Japanese bearing company I believe and their stuff is top knotch. They'll even be in my dad's 700+hp truck [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Riles]

I used the Ratech install kit- it was only 48 bucks from summit! I'm not sure if you can use it because you're switching carriers- I dont know what that means. Lol. But it worked well for me.

Joe

[ellik]

slp gears are motives.... made by motive with the slp stamp on them...its just the name that your buying.
the ratech kit is great and will work regardless of carrier... theyre sized for the 7-5/8" rear end.

[mjparme]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> I used the Ratech install kit- it was only 48 bucks from summit! <hr></blockquote>

Actually I haven't bought my stuff yet. I got all motivated to do it but then Best Buy had a 24 month 0% financing deal for TVs $399 and up so I bought a 57" Toshiba Projection HDTV with 2 tuner split screen picture in picture instead. [img]smile.gif[/img] Can't pass up free money!

I will probably buy the stuff around Jan-Feb or so.

Would you happen to have a part number for the ratech install kit that has been mentioned? Or at least a description I could use to find it at Summit. Ratech install kit for GM 10 bolt rear ends??

ellik, did you ever get a chance to test your cruise control with your new 3.42s?

[ellik]

cruise still works like a charm.
glad i already got my rear end work done, wife and i were X-mas shopping and stopped to look at a 48" plasma tv at the gateway store... [img]graemlins/naughty.gif[/img]
that things like 1/2 the value of my car, but SOOO sweet.
[img]graemlins/bowdown.gif[/img] to plasma tv


i bought my ratech kit through thunder racing... they seemed to have the best price.
http://www.thunderracing.com/index.c...ategoryid=1063
part #85-3001K
delux rebuild kit. 129.99
but yeah, call summit and ask for the complete rebuild kit for GM 7-1/2 7-5/8" 10 bolt

[ November 12, 2003: Message edited by: ellik ]</p>

[AlienInv8r]

what's the difference between that $48 kit from summit and the $130 from thunder? I think I may actually be finally doing my gears!! I've only had the gears in my room for the past 7 months, so maybe it's about time to buy an LSD and install kit and get moving, haha. I'm gonna stick to 3.42s instead of 3.73 since 75% of my driving is highway driving. Anyways, which of either of those kits would work best for me?? '98 A4 with 57k miles, original 3.08 gears.