Changing a ring and pinion

gilitos

gilitos

Senior Member
What a great thread earlier about the advantages/disadvantages of a hi speed ring and pinion vs. an overdrive! Now: how long would one expect an experienced mechanic (but who's never done an 'A' ring and pinion) to change one out? 8 hrs? 12? or ???
 
gilitos said:
What a great thread earlier about the advantages/disadvantages of a hi speed ring and pinion vs. an overdrive! Now: how long would one expect an experienced mechanic (but who's never done an 'A' ring and pinion) to change one out? 8 hrs? 12? or ???
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I must be real slow, good thing I don't ever have to work against a flat rate book. If you have all the correct tools- spring spreader, frame stands, pinion puller, hydraulic press, measuring tools for set-up, holding devices for the rear end, help 'cause you can't lift it assembled by yourself, etc. maybe two days if you don't take the time to refinish the pumpkin and axle housings or play with the brakes. If you've done one before knock off a few hours? Again, i'm slow, in more ways than one.
 
Several years ago before I had rebuilt one myself, I asked a local guy how much he would charge to assemble the rear axle and set up the preloads properly, if I had all of the parts and everything was cleaned up. He said $600 to assemble it. Going shop rate around here at that time was $45. I have assembled 2 since then, and with all of the put it together take it back apart routine it was only about 6 hours for me. Both of them are on the road and running well. The owners of the A's put them back in the car themselves, so I did not have to mess with that part. Still trying to figure out how much he was charging an hour or how long his method was taking him. Rod
 
If you follow the various service books, and use care in cleaning the axle housings, and other parts properly, you will find that you will have the rear end apart, and back together a total of 7 times. Especially if you are installing new crown and pinion, along with new bearings and seals. This time scale is with everything going well the first time. Preload and backlash setting can take several hours alone:eek::p

A lot of money spent not to take extra special care and time. Join a local club if there is one in your area, and ask for some experienced help on a weekend. As mentioned before, some special tools are required.
 
The actual setting up the pre-loads and back lash is not too bad. What takes a lot of time is overhauling all the stuff you get into that is all worn out, Brakes, axle seals drive shaft front bearing and seal etc, etc, etc. Getting everything properly cleaned up is also a job in itself.

I would also strongly suggest that if you are using used axles, get them magnifulxed if you have not already done so. Getting everything all beck together and then a little while later, braking an axle will try your patience as everything has to come out and all apart again.

There is nothing magic about working on a rear axle if you do not get into a hurry and understand and follow the directions.

Again, just my opinion,

Chris
 
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