Dave's Nova Site

Rear End Rebuild and Gear Upgrade

In Spring of 2001, on my evergoing quest to be somewhat fast, I decided to get the rear-end rebuild and change the ratio of the gearing. So I saved up for abit and after spending alot of time canvassing friends and other car enthusiasts, I went to PRECISION TRANSMISSION and looked for a guy named Dan Kambus. Turns out he owns the joint and said he could fix me up.

So, I told him what I wanted, and he asked me a few questions on my plans for the car, told him it's not a track car, just wanted a little more hop on the street. I originally wanted a gear around 3.55, but they don't make'em for 8.5 standard, so I went with 3.42 ratio gear. Also had the posi rebuilt too.

Took till later in the afternoon, cuz we had to wait for parts and stuff, but BOY, did they ever do a nice job, and were nice enough to let me in the take pictures of everything for my webpage. I was warned if I got in the way, I was out... no problem!!.

Went up for a few test drives with the tech, and he had to re-adjust the gears a few times, adding more schimes.

Finally, in the afternoon, it was all done and away I went. I was given an extended warranty time as long as I didn't race her on the track, I had till I put the car away for the winter.

About 2-3 weeks later, I could still hear the diff howling alittle .... thought maybe the gears were still breaking themselves in, but not knowing, I called up Dan and explained my case. He told me it would take about 200 miles for them to wear/set in. I told him I had 1800 on them, and he made immediate arrangements to have me bring her back in. Turns out I had a 1 of 3 defective sets that were shipped during that time frame, he had another car come back too ... same thing.

Anyways, GREAT AFTER-SALES service and I was VERY happy with the work!!. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Precision Transmission !!


Pictures of the Rebuild/Upgrade



Here I arrive at Precision Transmission, bright and early ...



Sitting around patiently awaiting my turn ... (OW! - Bad Hair day!)



There she goes, ...



Up, Up and Away !! ...



Let's Begin...



A shot of the underside from the rear ...



First off, open the diff and drain the fluids ...



A look at the axle on the passenger side



Out with the 2.73's ...



I took this picture to shown the wear on the gear after 109K Miles



I tried to get a picture of the wear on the clutches too ... (didn't turn out so well)




OWW!!.. too many small pieces ... eek!!



The NEW 3.42 Crown & Pinion Gears ...



Everything now tucked back in ...



Now a spot is marked to make sure the gear are in and aligned properly ...



Replaced the Axle seals & bearings while we're at it ...



Putting back on the wheels ...



Somebody told me this part (driveshaft) was an important piece ...



Here I am, on my way home ... taking it easy :)



Well, made it home alright, all went well !!

Main Project MEAN GREEN Page