Gears

[Dan1031]

Hi,

I have a 96 camaro and it has 3.08 gears. I know that that is a 2 carrier, but I want to get 3.42 gears. If I get these gears I know that I will need a 3 carrier, but if I also get a limited slip differential, do I need a 3 carrier, or can I just buy the gears and lsd? I tried searching but I didn't find anything. The reason why I'm asking is because I want to buy the gears off of a Z28. They have ~60,000 miles on them. So if I buy these gears, can I just get an LSD, or will I need a 3 carrier, too?

Thanks.

-Dan

[ellik]

as a quick, simplistic answer, the LSD is the carrier. you can get it as either a 2 series or 3 series. your gears need to match. typically from the factory, anything with 3.08's and less are 2 series and 3.23's and higher are 3 series.
hope that helps.

[Dan1031]

Cool, so If i do get the 3.42 gears then i will need the LSD that is a 3 carrier. Thanks for the help.

-Dan

[ellik]

yes. and you will need an SLP Reluctor ring to keep your ABS operational. but as a note, make sure that the gears you buy are 3 series. they most likely are, but you can order 2 series 3.42's.... you just dont see them as much.

[AlienInv8r]

at 60k miles on those gears, make sure to check them out first. Look for an even wear pattern on them, and also make sure there arent any chipped teeth on the gears.

You'll probably also want to purchase a ratech gear install kit, it comes with new bearings and shims and stuff so you have fresh parts in the rearend.

[FunkZ]

Inspect the bearings on the used limited-slip carrier for wear. Also check your races. Assuming you're having somebody install the gears for you, you'll probably want to purchase a rebuild kit as Alien suggested and just replace all the bearings.

[Dan1031]

"and you will need an SLP Reluctor ring to keep your ABS operational"

Well my ABS have been acting up ever since I bought the car so I just pulled the fuse out so I'm not too concerned about that because I live in NJ and there's not too much bad weather.

"You'll probably also want to purchase a ratech gear install kit, it comes with new bearings and shims and stuff so you have fresh parts in the rearend"

I was looking online for one, I found one for $110-120 I think. Is that a good price for it?


"Inspect the bearings on the used limited-slip carrier for wear. Also check your races. Assuming you're having somebody install the gears for you, you'll probably want to purchase a rebuild kit as Alien suggested and just replace all the bearings."

What do you mean by "check your races"?

Anyways, I'm probably going to buy the used gears, with the installation kit, and a new lsd. Are there any good, affordable LSD's that anyone recommends?

-Dan

[FunkZ]

Complete rear rebuild kits are all priced around $100.

Races are the solid outer "track" that the bearings spin inside. If a bearing goes bad it usually scores up the race.

If you're buying used gears you'll need the installation (or rebuild) kit anyway. One of the parts is a crush sleeve that can't be reused.

[Razzer]

You could also just replace the gears with some thick ones. www.drivetrainsuperstores.com has all of the parts in stock. ring&Pinion + install kit.

Here's the link for the gears themselves
http://www.drivetrainsuperstores.com...ail.asp?id=648

Here's the link for the master install kit
http://www.drivetrainsuperstores.com...ail.asp?id=792

[Dan1031]

Hey Razzer, in the link for the gears, it says they fit 3.08 gears, so I guess it's still a 2 carrier then? Is there any benefit to upgrading to a 3 carrier?

I checked out the gears and they did look worn so I will just pay the extra for new gears unless I can find some in good shape soon.

-Dan

[mjparme]

Well my ABS have been acting up ever since I bought the car so I just pulled the fuse out so I'm not too concerned about that because I live in NJ and there's not too much bad weather.

ABS decreases your stopping distance whether you are in bad weather or not, ABS is very helpful even on dry pavement.

Anyway, if you get 3.42 gears you defintely want a LSD. Also, your speedo will be off and if you have an automatic your shift points will be off. You will probably want to have some programming set up to fix that.