Cost to replace gears
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2012
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Cost to replace gears
I received an estimate of $500 labor to install 3.08's in my DANA 44 with 3.92's. Is this amount reasonable? I have searched on here and it seems like it's a $250 minimum for a shop to touch one.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Most rear ends are a half day job for a professional with the correct tools.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,510
Likes: 27
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Try your local high school or vocational college. The diff rebuild would be good for the student's to learn. They usually only charge for parts and a small donation for labour.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
$700 for used gears? That's nuts. Where do you live?
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Not so sure... Figure 4 - 5 hours labor @ $60 = 240 - 300
Assume he uses new bearings = $200 +/-
Assume new pinion seal = $25
Somewhere in that he's selling the used gears, looks like for between $100 - $150. Depending on the ratio that's not too far off the money. BUT it assumes those new parts. It also assumes the used gears are OK, that he replaces spiders and shafts that are worn, and he knows what he's doing....
The old gears might be worth more than the new (used) ones, some credit might be in order.
Assume he uses new bearings = $200 +/-
Assume new pinion seal = $25
Somewhere in that he's selling the used gears, looks like for between $100 - $150. Depending on the ratio that's not too far off the money. BUT it assumes those new parts. It also assumes the used gears are OK, that he replaces spiders and shafts that are worn, and he knows what he's doing....
The old gears might be worth more than the new (used) ones, some credit might be in order.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Not so sure... Figure 4 - 5 hours labor @ $60 = 240 - 300
Assume he uses new bearings = $200 +/-
Assume new pinion seal = $25
Somewhere in that he's selling the used gears, looks like for between $100 - $150. Depending on the ratio that's not too far off the money. BUT it assumes those new parts. It also assumes the used gears are OK, that he replaces spiders and shafts that are worn, and he knows what he's doing....
The old gears might be worth more than the new (used) ones, some credit might be in order.
Assume he uses new bearings = $200 +/-
Assume new pinion seal = $25
Somewhere in that he's selling the used gears, looks like for between $100 - $150. Depending on the ratio that's not too far off the money. BUT it assumes those new parts. It also assumes the used gears are OK, that he replaces spiders and shafts that are worn, and he knows what he's doing....
The old gears might be worth more than the new (used) ones, some credit might be in order.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: peyton, colorado
When I replaced the gears in my 8.8 in my F1, I did it myself. On ebay, I found a guy doing 3.55 to 4.10 conversions on new mustangs, so he had plenty of low mileage 355's to sell. $50 plus shipping. A genuine Ford rebuild kit from the local dealer, $125, but I did get a deal on it. I researched how to set up gears, even getting the instructions from a gear set up kit. By carefully reading the instructions, I realized I could duplicate everything the kit did with stuff in my garage, plus a dial indicator. I borrowed a hydraulic press from a friend, but HF has them pretty cheap and if you buy one you still have it when you're done. It's not as simple as changing spark plugs, but it's not the black art that many make it out to be.
oldmerc
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,538
Likes: 5
From: Edmonton,Alberta
Rear end (diff) rebuilds are not voodoo but you do need a few speciality tools to make it easier . Used gear set is fine as long as a visual inspection shows no abnormal wear patterns . New high quality bearings and seals are a must as well.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,671
Likes: 367
From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
Ross if the labor rate is only $60 an hour that is cheap, hear it is $100-110 per hour.
hopper have you ran those gears, if not they could whine.
I have done several sets through the years, not that difficult but there are things to look out for. At the speed shop where I did most of them we charged less if the rear end was out of the vehicle and obviously more if was under the vehicle. So see if you can take out the rear end and give to someone. As far as parts, at Summit Racing gears are $170.00 all day long and install kits with bearings, shims and seals are $115-130.
hopper have you ran those gears, if not they could whine.
I have done several sets through the years, not that difficult but there are things to look out for. At the speed shop where I did most of them we charged less if the rear end was out of the vehicle and obviously more if was under the vehicle. So see if you can take out the rear end and give to someone. As far as parts, at Summit Racing gears are $170.00 all day long and install kits with bearings, shims and seals are $115-130.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I would never spend that much money to install used gears. There is a high likelyhood they will howl and wear quickly. The price difference between used and new (unless the installer is using some that he has on hand from another job) is a small percentage of the total cost. The only one that is saving money installing used gears is the installer.