$476 to assemble an 8 3/4 diff

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If it’s a 489 case use a crush sleeve eliminator.
 
$476 for a shop to do it or
let’s do some math:
Harbor Freight indicator set: $34.99
Harbor Freight dial caliper: $21.99
Autozone, Oreilys free loaner tool seal/bearing driver set: Free
or buy from Harbor Freight: $39.99
Factory Service Manual: should already have

Total: $97 + tax if buying all the tools or $57 +tax if using Loan a tool for the seal/race driver set, not including the 20% off HF coupon on one item deal they always have.

So that’s either about $65 or $108 ?? just for the only required tools to DIY. (Driving in the pinion races can be done without the driver set but being it’s a free loaner tool it’s the proper way)


6 in. Dial Caliper

Bearing Race and Seal Driver Set 10 Pc.

Clamping Dial Indicator


I know what I’d do:lol:
And when you install it and it howls worse than a Blue Tic hound? PRICELESS!
 
Seems more than reasonable to me for something you obviously cannot do yourself or you wouldn't be taking it to a shop. That wasn't an insult, just a realistic statement about what's happening. I'll echo what others have said. If you think it's too high, learn how to do it yourself. It takes guys years of experience to learn how to set rear axles up properly. Call Moser, Strange, or any other big outfit and see what they charge to assemble one.
 
You need a press, possibly a bearing separator, spanner tool, inch/lbs and ft-lbs tq. wrench, a large vice, pinion depth checking fixture and the other mentiined tools to ensure a successful mission. Too much work involved to do a job like this twice.

Ps it if it was a Dana 60 you would need a case spreader too.

Doing a job like this without the tools mentioned above is possible but you are rolling dice on the outcome.
 
"Years of experience"??? OMFG. Sounds like somebody's skeered of learning..

Some folks would rather have a known cost than fund an ongoing educational/r&d project. This is a hobby for most; only a few of us have the sickness. Everyone must draw the line somewhere. Think of that before you go all OMFG on the poor guy lol.
 
You need a press, possibly a bearing separator, spanner tool, inch/lbs and ft-lbs tq. wrench, a large vice, pinion depth checking fixture and the other mentiined tools to ensure a successful mission. Too much work involved to do a job like this twice.

Ps it if it was a Dana 60 you would need a case spreader too.

Doing a job like this without the tools mentioned above is possible but you are rolling dice on the outcome.
What is this pinion depth checking fixture that you mention?
 
What is this pinion depth checking fixture that you mention?

Typically a pinion has a number etched on the gear face indicating the correct depth between it and centerline of the ring gear. The pinion depth checker is essentially a dial indicator stand that registers from the carrier bearing bores. The purpose of this tool is to shim the pinion to it's specified depth which expidites setting up the pattern between r&p. Keep in mind the r&p is burnished as a pair at the factory which is where the pinion depth figure comes from.
 
You need a press, possibly a bearing separator, spanner tool, inch/lbs and ft-lbs tq. wrench, a large vice, pinion depth checking fixture and the other mentiined tools to ensure a successful mission. Too much work involved to do a job like this twice.

Ps it if it was a Dana 60 you would need a case spreader too.

Doing a job like this without the tools mentioned above is possible but you are rolling dice on the outcome.

I never used a press when I built my 8-3/4. A heat gun and freezer works just as well. Never used a pinion depth tool either. Set up bearings and marking compound works fine for checking pinion depth - it just take a little longer if adjustments are needed.

I also never used case spread when I built the Dana 60 in my 66. That was a pain in the ***, but it turned out just fine.
 
I never used a press when I built my 8-3/4. A heat gun and freezer works just as well. Never used a pinion depth tool either. Set up bearings and marking compound works fine for checking pinion depth - it just take a little longer if adjustments are needed.

I also never used case spread when I built the Dana 60 in my 66. That was a pain in the ***, but it turned out just fine.

Around here we use different tools for different jobs. It depends on the parts on hand.

Good point about the setup bearings. Those come in handy for sure!

So...you didn't use a press for the axle bearings? Must have a chest freezer? Wife must be pissed lol!
 
Lining the janitor's pockets: $476....spending a hundred on tools and becoming an expert: PRICELESS!
The ability to improvise many tools for engines, transmissions, rear ends, motorcycles, etc etc etc Yes your right it is PRICELESS
 
You are correct, and getting those two items right can involve some trial and error. But it ain’t brain surgery either.
Lots of videos on you tube, this forum has lots of knowledgeable and help full folks. I bet everyone here at FABO that knows exactly how to set up an 8.75 started on that knowledge path by actually building one and not by paying someone else to build it.
I did ford 8.8s at the dealership, I agree not brain surgery. That's easy to say but they are easy to mess up also, I've seen young techs screw up tires, brake jobs, typical beginner stuff. I once saw an idiot drain the trans and overfill the oil on a Subaru. Another idiot says to me "I forgot to put oil in that last car I had in" I say "well go put oil it it, he says "I cant there it goes..." and we watch it drive down the street. I said "It will be back inside a half hour...' :)
 
And if something goes wrong you will want them to warranty it and it's your used parts. I think it's worth every dime assuming they know how to do the job right.
 
This conversation is exactly why I became a mechanic I liked old cars and I could not afford to pay other people to work on them. Being a mechanic will not make you rich. At some point in the future the only people that will have cars will be rich people and mechanics
 
One thing I've found being a mechanic is people expect you to do them favors...lifelong friends will tell me things that other guys say and I say "who are you going to believe them, or the guy who worked the business for 25 years...?" Everyone wants to tear down and rebuild, I say check it and see if it needs it. I know a guy with more money than brains has a 68 Chevy 327, hes going to let some guy rebuild it. i am like "why, it runs doesnt it?" Id bet 5 to 1 he doesn't get it back( camelback heads) hell get some 305 from the mid 70s/early 80s ..OR it will be screwed up in some fashion..
 
I did ford 8.8s at the dealership, I agree not brain surgery. That's easy to say but they are easy to mess up also, I've seen young techs screw up tires, brake jobs, typical beginner stuff. I once saw an idiot drain the trans and overfill the oil on a Subaru. Another idiot says to me "I forgot to put oil in that last car I had in" I say "well go put oil it it, he says "I cant there it goes..." and we watch it drive down the street. I said "It will be back inside a half hour...' :)

"I've seen young techs screw up"
Exactly, and that is why I do my own work. Even if I have to buy special tools or instruction.
And I am not saying that I never made a mistake, I have, but it is then, my learning opportunity.
 
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