...axle TSB / gear question.

[Petrograde]

OK,.. I've read through a few axle TSB threads. I've been wondering, anyone noticed any damage to the rear-end gears? I'm not exactly sure how the rear-end is put together (as far as metal shavings getting into the differential)

Anway,... I've been thinking about having my 3:55's swapped out for 4:10's while they're doing the TSB.

So I asked the service manager if the rear-end gears were pulled out to install the new axles and bearings. He said "I believe so" I then asked if he could throw in a set of FMS 4:10's while he was at it. I told him I'd buy the gears off him since it's a warranty repair. (no reason I can't spend a few buck there, if I'm not paying labor). He said he'd check on a price.

I called him back a little while ago, he said that the LABOR would be $366.00 for installation. (not including the price of the gears, which he didn't even quote the price)...uh,.. wait a sec. Why the hell should I have to pay labor on something they're gonna do anyway? :mad:

Does this make sense to anyone?

and most importantly,.. should I be worried about damaged gears from the metal shavings?

Sorry to run so long!

Thanks!

[fastblackmerc]

You do not have to remove the gears to change / check the axles. You do have to remove the rear end cover to remove the "C" clip that holds the axles in. I think $366.00 labor is in the ball park for installing the gears. It's not just swapping out the gears, there is some setup involved. You'll need the gears ($175.00 to $210.00), carrier bearings, pinion bearing, 3 quarts of fluid and friction modifer if your fluid isn't compatiable with the Ford spec for limited-slip rear ends ($75.00 - $100.00). So you are looking at $500.00 - $600.00 ---- but other than a "tune" nothing wakes up the MM like 4.10's :banana2:

[RF Overlord]

^^^what fastblackmerc said^^^

You have to remove the axles to change the gears, but not the other way 'round...

$366 for installation by a DEALER isn't a bad price at all...may as well have them do it all at once...even if you don't get your tune adjusted right away, it still makes a big difference. Just remember your speedo will read about 15% high until you get the tune corrected.

[sabtaj1]

The ford dealer pays the tech 8hrs of labor for a gear change. so You will be paying for 8hrs. I did it in 1.5hrs. its really easy. not to difficult. Just make sure you use motorsport gears. As for they are the easiest. I put my 4.10'S in last sat. Is your car still under warrenty?? If it is be sure to have them show you the axle's (part where the bearing rides) if its worn down like they all do they should replace the axles at no charge. If not they make a kit that moves the bearing out and moves the seal to the inside. I had to use it. Didnt know it even existed untill sat. I bought my gaers at winner circle for $190 and royal purple 75w 90w and friction modifier $38.00. dont need a gasket for the cover just silicone (seals better than any gasket). But $366 isnt bad thats just over $45 an hour. Hope all goes well.

[Petrograde]

Thanks guys,.. :up:

actually, the $366 was a typo,.. I was quoted $336, for 4.2 hours ($80 bucks/hr)


You have to remove the axles to change the gears, but not the other way 'round...

Ah ha! I see know,... thanks RF!

well,.. $336+$199 (for the FMS gears from Wes) +7% tax = $572.45 ouch,..

I'm still wondering if the metal shavings from the axles and bearing have caused any damage to the gears? Has this happened to anyone?

[gdmjoe]

fastblackmerc - You do not have to remove the gears to change / check the axles. You do have to remove the rear end cover to remove the "C" clip that holds the axles in. I think $366.00 labor is in the ball park for installing the gears. It's not just swapping out the gears, there is some setup involved. You'll need the gears ($175.00 to $210.00), carrier bearings, pinion bearing, 3 quarts of fluid and friction modifer if your fluid isn't compatiable with the Ford spec for limited-slip rear ends ($75.00 - $100.00). So you are looking at $500.00 - $600.00 ---- but other than a "tune" nothing wakes up the MM like 4.10's
In addition to the above ... you'll probably want to throw-in the 8.8" Ring & Pinion Installation Kit - Ford Racing Performance Parts part# M-4210-B ; includes - pinion & carrier shims, crush sleeve, pinion seal, pinion nut, ring gear bolts, cover gasket, pinion gear and carrier bearings; then how about a Reusable Case Gasket (part# M-4211-A) and top it all off with an Axle Girdle (part# M-4033-G1).

BTW ... If you decide to replace the TracLok clutches, you'll need two bottles of the friction modifier; recommendation for new clutch installs.

[sweetair]

OK a question here. I am not thinking about doing the gears yet. However... i DON'T LIKE THE IDEA OF MY AXELS BEING WORN. I am not sure that this happened to me yet. As far as I know all is well. How would I know. I am Trilogized, and do enjoy checking to see if it is still working on a every now and then basis. My 3/36 is up this June. I do have an extended plan as well for a few years. What is a tell tale sign of trouble??:help:

[RF Overlord]

What is a tell tale sign of trouble??There may not BE any. My car had absolutely no indications; the wear was discovered when I had the 4.10s installed. For peace of mind, if your car was built before Jan of '03, it may be prudent to have your axles shafts inspected.

[sweetair]

There may not BE any. My car had absolutely no indications; the wear was discovered when I had the 4.10s installed. For peace of mind, if your car was built before Jan of '03, it may be prudent to have your axles shafts inspected.My car was built in May of 03, delivered in late June 03. 300B model. Was this limited to earlier 03's??

[RoyLPita]

My car was built in May of 03, delivered in late June 03. 300B model. Was this limited to earlier 03's??

This TSB was limited to MMs, CVs, & GMs up to 1/1/03. However, I have run OASIS reports on some that were made later and had this kit installed. Go figure.

[sweetair]

This TSB was limited to MMs, CVs, & GMs up to 1/1/03. However, I have run OASIS reports on some that were made later and had this kit installed. Go figure.Thanks, appreciate the info.........

[Vortech347]

366$ to install gears?!?!?! I'm paying 75$ for the gears (3.73's) and installing them myself. It only takes 3-4 hours. Your in Texas. Mustang speed shops are on practicly every corner. I'd take it to one of them and have em do it. They'll prolly charge 250-300.

[1 Bad Merc]

I will tell you what, $350 to install your new gears is not a bad price. I would go ahead and let the dealer do it as then you will also have, I believe, some type of warranty from them if something goes wrong with the gears or install.

You will definetely need the the Shim kit as was mentioned on the earlier post. This allows them to adjust the gears for the proper pinion angle which eliminates excess wear and tear and keeps everything aligned. Good luck and I am sure you will enjoy the 4.10's! One of the best mods I have done so far and worth every penny! 4.10's coupled with a new tune will wake that Maurader beast up!

[RF Overlord]

Nitrous, he said $366 was a typo; the actual price was $336, which isn't bad at ALL for a dealer...around here, dealers get anywhere from $90 to $125 an hour (not just Ford dealers).

Question for YOU, though...you said you're installing 3.73s...why did you pick that particular number? You do know the car comes with 3.55s?...changing to 3.73 has been determined to be not worth the cost in materials or time for most people, for the small performance gain it provides. There's one member (I think) who has 3.90s, but the vast majority have 4.10s and even some 4.30s...Billy Gman has 4.56s and I think he'd go to 6.14s if he could... :eek: :lol:

[Vortech347]

Well for one I live in Utah. Alot of open road and I take frequent road trips to Vegas, Wyoming, Idaho, and Colorado. If this car wasn't a daily driver I'd do 4.30's in a heart beat. But I use it for work too. I know the cars have 3.55's. As for being cost effective I've already got a buyer for the 3.55's for 75$ so its a wash. Yea I'm looking forward to the extra off the line but if I want total performance I'll drive the stang that day. :)

Also if you use Ford or FMS gears you won't likely have to do any additional shiming work to install them. I've only seen ONE ford gear swap needing to be re-shimmed. I've done quite a few myself and have helped others. I've switched from 3.27's to 3.73's to 3.55's in my stang and used the same shims and they setup perfect each time. Maybe I'm just lucky?

[fastblackmerc]

Not lucky... your using the "good" parts.....

[Vortech347]

Yea I won't EVER run a set of gears that arn't FoMoCo. I've heard to many horror story's about other brands.

[RF Overlord]

I've only seen ONE ford gear swap needing to be re-shimmed. I've switched from 3.27's to 3.73's to 3.55's in my stang and used the same shims and they setup perfect each time. Maybe I'm just lucky?Interesting you should say that...the tech who installed my 4.10s said that he re-used the original shims (or maybe it was new shims, but the same thicknesses as original) and it came out right on. Not that I didn't believe him, but I thought HE was lucky... :D

And I hear you about your choice of 3.73s...if you can do the job yourself, AND sell the old gears to someone else, that certainly makes a difference.

[sabtaj1]

yes, when useing ford gears you should not have to replace the shims at all. I had to swap the side that the shims were located on for the 4.10's and I had about 10 thousanths of backlash. and you want 8 to 20 I believe is what it calls for.