Rear End rebuild.....is it needed?

carlastang · 06-23-2009, 03:42 PM

Well, recently Ive noticed some noises coming from the rear end of my car. It is only when the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor and only when I'm making a wide turn, but it is a very loud and distinguishable "clunk clunk clunk clunk." Which could have no other origin but the rear end.

My auto shop tells me that it will probly either need to be replaced or rebuilt.

What shall I do at this point? Just let them (who I trust very much) get it rebuilt, or are there upgrade options to consider at this time since it needs to be ripped out.

All options welcome.

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Ryan86272 · 06-23-2009, 03:47 PM

What are your goals for your car? If nothing big, Rebuilt stock one, or look on Ebay for Stock Differential...

If you want High Horsepower/Take it to Track with Slicks.

Build the Rear end

jdsalcedo · 06-23-2009, 05:02 PM

i learned the hard way while at the track. i snapped my axle on the launch after a few runs on my Kenne Bell 03, had to get towed home. i actually just rebuilt mine with 31 spline axles and eaton diff, so no more worries about the rear lol.

if you have big power gains planned for the future i suggest getting a rebuild. if not the least i would get are new gears

WhiteFoxGT · 06-23-2009, 05:06 PM

I'd atleast slap some gears in there while its apart

carlastang · 06-23-2009, 05:10 PM

Yeah, I was thinkin about the gears as well. And my goals are nothin big actually, just a daily drive to work and an occational road race...ya know

jdsalcedo · 06-23-2009, 05:19 PM

yea gears would definately liven up your drive. what ratio were u thinking on? u drive on the highway a lot?

carlastang · 06-23-2009, 05:24 PM

Well, I was gonna ask that.......not sure what ratio to get. I'm about 50/50 between highway and city. What do you all think?

carlastang · 06-23-2009, 05:47 PM

Also, what does a rebuild typically incorporate?

jdsalcedo · 06-23-2009, 07:52 PM

well a rebuild will basically consist of your gears, differential, axles, fluids, and bearings. a shop that you say you trust will do all that work, either you can order all the parts or they will. have they given you a quote? if you upgrade to stronger performance parts it will be expensive cause the parts are pricey. my whole setup cost $1500 to completely rebuild everything (granted i live in CA-everything is expensive here haha). IL would probably be cheaper.

as far as gear ratios, a lot of people running natural aspirated setups run 4.10's, but since you drive on highways, your gas mileage would suck, plus your rpm's would be really high at cruising speed. i personally have 3.73's and they are not so bad, my rpm's are at a little over 2100 going a little over 70mph. only when i get to 80mph or so do they get close to 2500-2600 rpms. a good middle of the road would be 3.55's.

here's a good link that can help you with your decision:
http://www.paladinmicro.com/PalMFrame00.htm?wks=spd

Eagle2000GT · 06-24-2009, 08:53 AM

If you are not going to run slicks or drag radials you don't need to beef up your rear end. Ask around, you should be able to pick up used parts fairly cheap. A lot of us have good stock differentials and axles in our garages (at least I do) that we took out when we upgraded to 31 spline axles.