Considering pulling my pumpkin (differential) for a 4.57 swap. Anyone have an estimate of how long/involved this will be (just removing the differential, not the actual gear swap) if I do it myself in my garage? I'm no mechanic, but also not a clutz when it comes to this type of stuff.

Also, anyone know how much the differential weighs with the fluid drained? Trying to get an idea of how much it may cost to ship this to hardtopguy for a swap.

Lastly, anyone care to comment on how much quicker the car will be with a 4.57 swap?

Thanks.

 

~3 hours to remove.

PM hardtopguy, he can get you shipping dimensions and weight so you can use the UPS website to calculate shipping charges.

 

There is a thread from a guy that did it himself. He had to reopen pumpkin and align something (a self admitted mistake) but he said it took about 24 hours of total labor.

I just remember reading that number. Search for that thread, I would recommend.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ACLR8
There is a thread from a guy that did it himself.

 

Yes, X, I figured you had a DIY thread.

I do remember readign the other person's thread though and it was like 24 hours of total labor.

How long did it take you?

 

Let's see .............................
Started in the evening and removed it in about 3.5 hours (give or take, it's been a while now). Next day, took it to the "gear guy" (3.5 hours for him). Got it back and put it back in (about another 3.5 hours).

 

So, call it 12 hours of labor for a SEASONED guy with a lot of maintenance experience!

 

If you are an admitted klutz, I wouldn't attempt it. It does take a fair amount of mechanical savvy to complete the job. You also may have to buy some Allen drivers (short ones) to remove the driveshaft bolts.

That being said, Mine came out in about an hour, and was reinstalled in the same time. It did take about 4 hours to swap housings, and press new bearings on the carrier and pinion.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper