Gears. Can I install or should I take to pro?

99FiveOh · Mar 27, 2009

I'm very mechanically inclined, so could I pull off a gear swap? I know I"ll need a dial indicator and they're pretty cheap at harbor freight. If not, is there a good place in the north east FL area to get them installed? About how much does it usually run to get them installed?

Anyone who lives near Jacksonville FL and can do gears, let me know if you wanna make some cash!

toyman · Mar 27, 2009

The_Mustang said:
I'm very mechanically inclined, so could I pull off a gear swap? I know I"ll need a dial indicator and they're pretty cheap at harbor freight. If not, is there a good place in the north east FL area to get them installed? About how much does it usually run to get them installed?

Anyone who lives near Jacksonville FL and can do gears, let me know if you wanna make some cash!

It will take an experienced shop about 3.5-4 hrs.

99FiveOh · Mar 27, 2009

I was asking more along the lines of how much it costs?

hollywoodstang · Mar 27, 2009

If you have all the parts and fluid. it will cost $250

94GTCoupe · Mar 27, 2009

hollywoodstang said:
If you have all the parts and fluid. it will cost $250

250 is alot of cash.i vote do it yourself.i will be changing mine in a few weeks.i have never done it before.i have got some links to how tos that i will post in a lil bit.

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cbarr300 · Mar 27, 2009

Generally gear installs will run you around 600-800 dollars. Most shops are gonna charge you around 5 hours labor. Factor in the price of the gear, and the price of the bearings, and the price of fluid and friction modifier......not quite that cheap. A professional shop will also have a pinion depth tool (not cheap by any means).

You can do it yourself, no problem. Just take your time and make sure you're within spec backlash. I've found that being around .011 to .014 is a decent backlash. After that make sure you do a pattern check. You can check online for pattern charts.

You just don't want it too loose or too tight...just right......as with most things

94GTCoupe · Mar 27, 2009

give these a read,they have some very good info.
mo_dingo also attached a list of things needed.also read the links within his post.

8.8 Axle Gear Install

http://forums.stangnet.com/479678-just-finished-gears-omg.html

i already have everything needed,less the bearing seperator.
once i get around to the gear swap,i'll try to take pics and notes as i go along.i'll post those up when im finished.

99FiveOh · Mar 27, 2009

Thanks, I'll give those a read! I appreciate the help guys.

94-302-vert · Mar 27, 2009

Buy the FMS gears and do it yourself.... All my guy did was swap them and my car was in spec... I wish I would have done them myself... Next time around as I am thinking 4.10's now... I put 60k on the 3.73s and wish I had more gear sometimes...

99FiveOh · Mar 27, 2009

I'm just concerned about all the "press this off and press this on" stuff. I hate dealing with things that don't just "come right off"! The pinion is the part that scares me.

Grn92LX · Mar 27, 2009

Have a shop OR have someone you know do it with you in your driveway. Get all new bearings as well. Be VERY careful when removing the differential pin bolt, they snap very easily and theyre hardened. Getting it out will really ruin your afternoon

divit250r · Mar 27, 2009

Grn92LX said:
Have a shop OR have someone you know do it with you in your driveway. Get all new bearings as well. Be VERY careful when removing the differential pin bolt, they snap very easily and theyre hardened. Getting it out will really ruin your afternoon

I had this problem. It just snapped the head off, leaving the threaded portion with the pin attached. I used a left handed drill bit and it just backed right out. Talk about lucky. lol

I did mine by myself in my garage. The most exotic tools I had were a magnetic indicator base and a 1" travel dial indicator. I got the bearing off the factory pinion by laying a large flat chisel under the edge of it and smacking it once with a hammer. It slid right off and I re-used the factory shim on my FMS gears. Once I got efficient at pulling the carrier and adjusting the side shims, it was a piece of cake to get it dialed in. No noise, no problems at this point. Even after changing carriers to the open 31 spline with a mini-spool.

Just be prepared to stink like nasty old gear oil for a week after you're done. That stuff doesn't go away!

Scott

99FiveOh · Mar 27, 2009

I remember years ago i called a local shop and they quoted me 200, but that was back around 2000 or so. Everyone says "gears are probably the best bang for the buck" but with prices like 600-700 to swap, not much of a value!

I will invest in some tools, learn this swap and start banking cash myself by doing it for others.

toyman · Mar 27, 2009

The_Mustang said:
I remember years ago i called a local shop and they quoted me 200, but that was back around 2000 or so. Everyone says "gears are probably the best bang for the buck" but with prices like 600-700 to swap, not much of a value!

I will invest in some tools, learn this swap and start banking cash myself by doing it for others.

Those sound like all in prices (gears, labor, oil, bearings, etc). When I said 3.5 - 4 hrs I was giving you the ability to calculate the cost based on labor rates in your area. They are NOT the same across North America. I would think that you may be able to negotiiate for a labor only rate these days.

Chern_889 · Mar 27, 2009

cbarr300 said:
Generally gear installs will run you around 600-800 dollars. Most shops are gonna charge you around 5 hours labor. Factor in the price of the gear, and the price of the bearings, and the price of fluid and friction modifier......not quite that cheap. A professional shop will also have a pinion depth tool (not cheap by any means).

You can do it yourself, no problem. Just take your time and make sure you're within spec backlash. I've found that being around .011 to .014 is a decent backlash. After that make sure you do a pattern check. You can check online for pattern charts.

You just don't want it too loose or too tight...just right......as with most things

Pinion depth tools arne that bad really, this is the one i plan on using in the near future

Ratech 10006 - Ratech Pinion Depth Setting Tools

94five-0h · Mar 27, 2009

yeah up here in canada its about, 600-800$

when they took mine apart, my ABS sensor busted. so i had them replaced.

final5-0 · Mar 28, 2009

I'm a hands on kinda guy as I turn my own wrenches and do all the
tuning on my little GT

I always encourage peeps to do things themselves

Now ... If you don't know what you are doing with this job

You can ruin a gearset in a heart beat
and
They will howl like a Banshee forever

If you are good at networking, you should be able to make youself
a gearhead friend who has experience with this kinda thing

Beat the bushes and find a mehanic who does side line work from his house

There is always a way to get a deal in matters such as this

If you do it yourself .......

Take the time to do the research so ....

You'll be equipped to do it right ... The first time :Word:

Grady

99FiveOh · Mar 28, 2009

Mo dingo's thread was very helpful! Cleared up alot of confusion... Now I believe I can tackle this myself. I'm going to buy a new shop press and some other gadgetry and give it a shot!

final5-0 · Mar 28, 2009

The_Mustang said:
Mo dingo's thread was very helpful! Cleared up alot of confusion... Now I believe I can tackle this myself. I'm going to buy a new shop press and some other gadgetry and give it a shot!

Good for You

Keep us posted and let us know how it all turns out for you

Grady

99FiveOh · Mar 28, 2009

I sure will. Maybe I'll do some pics of the install and hopefully clear some things up for others as well!

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