BS or not...

[Paco]

I'm not a really a wrench type, but recently visited a local dealership to replace belt and tensioner. Pricely, but the squealing is now gone.

They suggested replacing the alternator, at $450 with no electrical problems, I declined.

Had them check clicking in rear driver tire. Turns out to be the emergency brake -- for $650 I passed on it too.

Finally, they recommended replacing the "clutch packs". I'm not even sure what these are. What would be the signs of a problem here? How can they tell? I'm at 64k - mostly highway miles. I just about hit the floor with shock. Does this sound a little crazy or what?

Thanks for any input.

[offroadkarter]

I'm not a really a wrench type, but recently visited a local dealership to replace belt and tensioner. Pricely, but the squealing is now gone.

They suggested replacing the alternator, at $450 with no electrical problems, I declined.

Had them check clicking in rear driver tire. Turns out to be the emergency brake -- for $650 I passed on it too.

Finally, they recommended replacing the "clutch packs". I'm not even sure what these are. What would be the signs of a problem here? How can they tell? I'm at 64k - mostly highway miles. I just about hit the floor with shock. Does this sound a little crazy or what?

Thanks for any input.


The clutch packs are the clutches in your Trac lok diff, if you think they are toast, do a burnout and if you get a 1 wheel peel, they need to be rebuit. But better with the FRPP kit.

[Paco]

Thanks. But, without sounding too wimpy, I'm all stock. Never could do a burnout.

[Spectragod]

Go to http://www.newtakeoff.com/, you can buy a complete locking differential assembly for $130 or so.

[Motorhead350]

Do soak the tires in water and do a burnout and see how many tracks you leave. This will determine if you actually need a diff or not. I suppose you could jack up the rear tires too and make sure they both spin when you give it gas, but something about resistance makes more since with the burnout.

If you decide to go aftermarket get a Detroit Locker. I broke my Auburn one month after it went out of warranty and it has a long story to go with it that I am still fighting about to this day.

[offroadkarter]

you do a brake stand, thats all.

[jdando]

I'm not a really a wrench type, ...They suggested replacing the alternator, at $450 with no electrical problems...

That sounds about right for an alternator replacement. I paid $372 for a new alternator a year ago :bigcry:.

Not sure why they would want to replace it if you are not having charging problems.

[RF Overlord]

Replace the clutch packs for no good reason?

$650 to adjust the emergency brake on one wheel?

Your dealership is either incredibly crooked or thinks you're incredibly stupid...or both. DO NOT go back there.

[Local Boy]

^^^Listen to that guy^^^!!!...LOL

True Dat!!!

ALOHA

BTW: RF...You crack me up...Straight to the point...Right-on!!!

[Marauderjack]

Jack up one back wheel and try to turn it with a torque wrench......should require about 50 ft lbs to turn it while the other is stationary!!:beer: If it turns easily you should replace the clutches!!:cool:

My differential has 176K+ miles and the clutches are still OK.....last 92K miles with the ProCharger!!:bandit:

Your "dealer" is jerkin' you around!!:shake:

Marauderjack:burnout:

[huot5]

That dealer is trying to separate you from your cash. They need business bad and they're not taking prisoners. Imagine how many saps they've already done that to. good thing you mentioned it here before you got "cleaned out".

[rayjay]

replace the clutch packs for no good reason?

$650 to adjust the emergency brake on one wheel?

Your dealership is either incredibly crooked or thinks you're incredibly stupid...or both. Do not go back there.

+1, bohica...

[Paco]

Thanks to all for the input.

I really do prefer to support the services that a quality dealership can provide, with professional and highly skilled techs, but I guess, in these economic times, there are a small number (hopefully) of dealerships trying to replace sales losses with inflated service.

[SILVERSURFER03]

Replace the clutch packs for no good reason?

$650 to adjust the emergency brake on one wheel?

Your dealership is either incredibly crooked or thinks you're incredibly stupid...or both. DO NOT go back there.


That sounds about right for an alternator replacement. I paid $372 for a new alternator a year ago :bigcry:.

Not sure why they would want to replace it if you are not having charging problems.

on the alt. the bearings may be warn do to the tensoner going bad

but as to the other stuff ...if you don't run yours hard dont worry about

the rear right now. thats just me

[Blackened300a]

After doing numerous burnouts and racing with a modded Marauder, My clutches were fine. The dealer is trying to rip you off and I cant get over the price to fix the parking brake! If you were local I would have completed the work for a fraction of the cost including parts.

[Aren Jay]

I just had my new rear tires mounted, balanced and put on. My summer wheels and tires put on, my Winter tires and wheels taken off, old rear tires disposed of, parking break checked and adjusted and all brakes checked and measured, test driven twice not in a row, steering checked, brake rotors checked, a hitch option researched and they tried unsuccessfully to pull my door code. Not a dealership. They had my car for 5 hours.

Total including tax $162.00

What do you mean emergency brake?

[Paco]

To Diabolical1 cc - invoice just says "replace parking brake shoes"...

[larryo340]

To Diabolical1 cc - invoice just says "replace parking brake shoes"...
I know the shoes alone list for around $100-$125. They are cheap in auto stores, I paid $20 for the set of four. They are a little tricky to swap out, but if you ever worked with drum brakes you could do it yourself.
For older panthers the "book" told you to remove axle shafts, but this is not neccessary for the Marauder.