I've had some 3.73s sitting here for a while. I want to get them installed in the 10-bolt and run with it a little while longer.

How much is a fair price nowadays? $500 fair? Seems a little high. I was quoted $500-800 depending on the condition of the rearend (with me supplying the parts).

I have some Motive 3.73s, Motive Install kit with Timken bearings, a Ratech Solid Pinion Spacer, and a TA Aluminum Girdle and Stud kit...

 

I was quoted $370.00 labor to change out the carrier/spider gears/ring and pinion in my 01 Silverado. That was just labor with me supplying the parts. My father in law was quoted $1,300 or so to change out the gears (front and rear) in his truck.

 

Well, the shop recommended doing the solid pinion spacer. I think that adds some time to getting it right.

But I was thinking $250-400 labor or thereabouts would be about right.

 

its about 2 hours if a good guy does the work.. 4x4 shops are often cheaper than some other places cause they do them a LOT..

 

That's true. This guy has a performance shop and specializes in F-Bodies. Had 5 there today in fact.

 

I was quoted $250, $500 and $1100 from 3 speed shops with me supplying material. Finish line performance wanted the $1100, that included $100 to change the gear ratio in the computer, i laughed as i hung up. $500 was from a shop i trusted and Part of the reason i just put that into a 9".

 

Once you have matched the guts to the axle housing, Ive found that about 90+ percent of the time you can swap the gears and re-use the shims in the same spot and your good to go..

CNC technology has made the gears very very close. So close I found that trying to get the pattern on the gear "better" was a painful and time wasted effort.. Unless its just flat out way the hell off..

 

That makes doing it yourself pretty easy.

I don't know why I just don't do it. I've done everything else. Then I cuss about it and wish I had just paid someone. But I know it's right or at least close to right.

 

If you google around DANA posted their factory instructions years ago,, While it helps to have someone who's done it work you through it once its surprisingly easy...

Easier than a cam.
Easier than pulling a engine.. (Lots)

 

And I've done both of those. Multiple times now.

 

I paid $450 last year for a rebuild and gear install on the 10 bolt.

 

I do em for $50-75 bucks. Bring beer.

 

Where the hell are you? I'll bring two cases of beer.

 

http://www.shreveport-bossier.org/

 

Im screen shotting this preference on beer?

 

Well that same shop said $450 to pull the trans and swap the converter. So that seems like a pretty good price... Looks like I'll probably just go there. $500 for gear swap and $450 for converter swap.

 

My local drive train shop charges $350 for full rebuild which includes replacing all bearings and seals.

If the bearings and seals are in good shape its just $275 for a gear swap. This is of course just labor and me supplying the parts.

This is in Socal which is not known to be a cheap area for work...So your pricing seems very excessive.

 

Local shop charged me $600 in labor, $200 richmond 3.73s, $84 75w140 Synthetic, $99.95 for new 12 Bolt bearing kit. Problem is I live in Lincoln, NE and close to 300,000 people just in Lincoln area and shops are far and few. Seems like shops open and close around here constantly which is sad because some have been pretty talented but speedy work wasn't strong suits but that's not always a bad thing. But the only one or two that want to service performance built cars are way over booked usually can count on car sitting for 5-8 weeks easily.

Had a local transmission shop that rebuilt the FLT Stage 5 4l60e for me ruin the pinion bearing and hacked a few other things, so took it to another shop and the above charges were from them. But had to go back and add friction modifier because after I picked up Camaro diff was popping badly. Seen your post and thought I'd dig up my receipt and share.

 

One shop that I've checked with here a while back told me they charge either $300 or $350 for a complete rebuild with me supplying the parts. It's kind of a one or two man show though but he does do good work. I had him rebuild the front diff in my procharged SSS a few years ago and I never had any issues out of it again the rest of the time I owned the truck. So $500 for just a gear swap does seem a bit high, but it could just be your area unfortunately.

 

The more I think about this, the more I'm thinking some of you guys are getting hosed. A gear swap is about a 2-3 hour job, maybe 4 if you are doing new bearings and seals... The average shop rate is maybe $70-100 per hour... If you do the math I don't see how a gear swap can cost $500+