zrsnopro97

iTrader: (1)

Just wondering if it would be a bad idea to install a gear set that is used? Assuming that i replaced all of the bearings and set up the preload and backlash correctly, would there be any issues that come to mind?

My transmission and driveline class instructor at Lincoln Tech claims that the ring gear could possibly become warped if it was removed from the carrier wrong...(i could probably check the runout)

Anyway the reason I ask is because I'm broke and in college, and I got a free 3:42 ring and pinion in exchange for porting a buddies throttle body. I want to replace my retarded 2:73's, but cant afford something going wrong with my rear end. The 3:42's came out of a 01 WS6.. which leads me to another question. I believe i need a spacer or something like that since i have a 2 series carrier and the ws6 has a 3 series???? Where can you find that spacer at?

Any input would be helpful.
thanks

FirstYrLS1Z

iTrader: (4)

two things not generally recommended
-installing/using a used gearset
-using a ring gear spacer

I've used spacers in non-performance cars,I would not use one in a performance car.
I'm currently running a used gearset,but I work on rearends so I knew what to expect as far as setup and noise. I've been running that used set now for 3 years and 23,000 miles.

If you can't afford something going wrong with your rearend,you shouldn't be contemplating changing it.
It's better to have a driveable Z28 w/2.73s' than a broken Z28 w/3.42s'.

zrsnopro97

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the input!
I think i will take your advice and hold off on the gear swap for now, even though im really itching to get rid of the 2.73's.

Maybe ill look around on craigslist for really cheap 10 bolt from a 6 speed car and just swap the whole rear end lol.... that way if something were to go wrong with it id have a spare.. hmmmm

FirstYrLS1Z

iTrader: (4)

That's the route to go. Pick up a complete rearend ready to swap in. Just gotta make sure it's compatable as for as 'channel',3channel ABS or 4channel ABS & TC,you didn't state which version yours is.
3.42 isn't your only option for improving,the 3.23 should also be looked for as GM classified it as 'performance option'.
Be patient looking/waiting for one as they do show up,sometimes very inexpensively from someone that needs it gone/out of the way.
What part of the country is your location ?

zrsnopro97

iTrader: (1)

I think thats what im going to do... already started looking around a bit and found a couple but im going to just wait for a while until theres a really good deal. I dont exactly have money to blow at the moment.

Anyway, to be honest im not sure if i have a 3 or 4 channel abs... I do have traction control though.

I forgot about the 3.23 rear ends, that wouldnt be a bad option either. Those gears came in my old WS6 and werent too shabby. Big difference from my 2.73s now. Although I would still rather have a 3.42, I probably wouldnt even be able to tell much of a difference between 3.23 and 3.42.

I currently live and go to school in Indianapolis, IN. Home is in South Bend, IN though, so i travel up there a couple times a month and stay for the weekend. South Bend is only 2 hours from Chicago.. Id be willing to drive a little to get a 10 bolt.

FirstYrLS1Z

iTrader: (4)

Traction control = 4 channel.
A 3channel rearend could be easily converted to 4channel by using your axles and backing plates in/with it. You're lucky as converting the opposite of a 4channel to 3channel is impractical.
The Chicago,Ill area seems to have rearends for sale frequently.
I've sold 3 4channel 3.42 complete rearends for $100 in the last 1/2 year,the last one is sold and waiting to be picked up. I get them cheap and then sell them cheap to someone in need. Be patient and you'll find one.

zrsnopro97

iTrader: (1)

Looks like I have the 4 channel then. Do all 4th gens have ABS? What about an LT1 rear, are those the same?

The chicago section has a lot of LS/Fbody stuff on it, thats why i like to look in there. Not sure where you are located, but if you ever get any more shoot me a PM or something if you remember.

From what ive seen $100 seems to be the average price. I would definately pay that. Hell, thats just a little more expensive than the gear install kit I would need in order to do a gear swap lol.

FirstYrLS1Z

iTrader: (4)

typical prices I see are in the 250-500 range,those are only sold to someone that needs one immediately.
TC started in 1995,since yours is a 2000,I would prefer a 1998-2002 unless you run across an INCREDIBLE deal for a 1995-1997. Even though the parts are the same,the GM parts manual has 2 separate groupings,one for 95-97 and one for 98-02.
1998 and earlier had Auburn posi,1999 and later had Torsen posi.

Don't forget to check other sites,such as camaroZ28.com.LS1.com,fbodyonline.com and others.

zrsnopro97

iTrader: (1)

Alright man ill just stick to a 98-02 rear then.
Thanks for the help!

FirstYrLS1Z

iTrader: (4)

since the little 10 bolt doesn't hold up to the mods that we like to do,they are considered as one of the 1st items to upgrade.
Upgrading to a 12 bolt,9 inch,8.8 inch,or Dana results in a stock 10 bolt being removed,so there are a lot of stock 10 bolts out there available.