gta3uzi

Vehicle is a 2000 Camaro Z28

My inner pinion bearing has gone bad and is to the point that it no longer holds the pinion gear in place. It's started to eat up my pinion / ring gears so I'll have to have those replaced eventually anyways.

With that said, would you (the pro's) suggest I go with 3.42's over the stock gears if I replace it all at once? It's an auto GU5 car, so it has 3.23's in it. I don't think the shop I'm dealing with can do anything higher than 3.42's as they get their stuff from Jasper Engines and THEY only supply factory stuff.

I'm thinking it would be a good idea if I have to replace the gears anyways. I'm not looking for a drag machine, just something that will be quicker than my friend's EVO 8 and my other friend's 06 350z car. I haven't raced either guy, yet, but I'd like to be as prepared as I can be while keeping expenses down. They both have bolt-ons.

Any other tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated concerning that last bit. I know a new tq converter would greatly help and wouldn't hurt my highway cruising back and forth to the university (gear lockup clutch ftw)

EDIT: It should be noted that these races will take place at an 1/8 mile track. I know the chances of me beating the EVO are slim over such a short distance, but even the little two-wheel-drive guys can dream, right?

EDIT 2: I did read about Series 2 and Series 3 gear carriers in the stickies, and one is for gears over 3.08 and one is under 3.08, but what does this mean, precisely? Wish this article were a bit more detailed about it:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/gears-axl...r-end-faq.html

I.e. minimum and maximum gear ratios for both would be nice.

Kevin01Z28

iTrader: (8)

Well im not a pro but I'll give some advise based the gear swaps I have done.

Since you say one of your pinion bearings are bad just go ahead and replace them both along with the races. Everything will already be apart anyways. You can buy the pinion bearings, races, and pinion seal seperatly at a local parts probably or just buy an installation kit that will have everything.

There is not much difference between 3.23 and 3.42s so either keep the 3.23s or jump to 3.73s.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I would do a complete bearing swap since you are gonna have the rear apart already. And yes I would likely replace the gears if there was any doubt that they have taken any undue stress. I have a nice set of 3.23s I could sell you for cheap if you need them.

gta3uzi

The shop I'm dealing with has a 12 month 12k mile warranty on all of their work / parts they do. They can replace all of the bearings in the rear end and put 3.73's in for $1650. I do not have the equipment to do the bearings myself. Think it's a good idea to have them do it?

Detroitmuscle

iTrader: (16)

for that price I'd buy a 12 bolt or 9" thats ******* insane

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Dude I rebuilt several buddies rear ends with their help for a 12 pack of bud light. Takes the better part of the day to complete. A set of gears cost about $150-$200. Full rebuild kits cost $125. So about $300 total. You are getting *** raped at $1650.

RapidRick

iTrader: (11)

...what he said....

2002gt

iTrader: (14)

*** raped without a reach around!!! Just get a new rear end for that kind of money.

awb-camaroz28

I just put a 3.73 in my car. I can sell you my stock 3.42 gear that came out of my 2000 Camaro Z28... it's still in excellent condition. If you want my bearings you can have them but 2 of them are not good. I'd recommend just getting your lube and getting a full installment kit from Summitracing.com. I got one of those kits with everything I needed- bearings, shims, and all of that for $80. Most shops will charge you between $250-500 labor, to install the ring and pinion and kit. I spent about $300 for all my parts and had a shop put in my stuff for $300. But let me know if you'd like a good deal or if you know someone looking for a 3.42 ring and pinion with 49k miles on it.

cambirdracing

iTrader: (4)

Ask them how much for labor if you supply the parts.