I just don't see the point in swapping the entire axle. Are you gonna be doing lots of different racing on tracks that you would require swapping between the 3.55s and the 4.10s? If not, you just want the ability to switch back and forth from the 4.10s to the 3.55s just on a whim? Seems like a waste of time, effort, and money IMO. You can get a set of 4.10 gears installed with no whine for much less that the cost of a new axle with 4.10s.

Also, after getting the 4.10s I have never seriously considered going back to the stock gears (3.31s in my case). I would not switch back to the 3.55s either. I only considered it when gas was getting pricey, but the gain in gas mileage would not warrant the performance loss and the cost of the gear swap.

 

Both are good points, and no, I'd most likely stay with 4.10s, unless I go FI, which may happen. Here's my reasoning for this question. In my garage there is NO WAY I could install gears...not even close...but I could (I think) bolt up a new rear end. Plus, and though may seem silly to most, I want every stock piece...I.E....I cut my antena to 14", but bought a new factory antena to have on hand. I want the 4.10s, but want the stock rear end (I dream, in 40 years, that my car will go across Barrett Jackson's floor, LOL). I have the room to store all the "takeoffs" and just would like to keep them. A ttribute to stock, if you will, plus it is like a timeline of stock parts on my garage wall...first I cut the antena, and put the stock antena on the wall. When my CAI comes in, the stock airbox will go on the wall, ect...like I said, possibly stupid to some, but hey, not to me I guess...(BTW, can't wait to put those truck mirrors on the wall when my A47s come in).

The main & #1 reason for this is to be able to lower my 3.55 rear end off, bolt up my 4.10 rear end on, in my garage, and not have to mess with the gears...the "headache-less" swap is worth all the $, plus I could do it myself...can this be done?

 

I see you are in Texas, are you near Houston? I just talked to Fastlane on FM 1960 (http://www.fastlaneturbo.com/) and they qouted $650 for the gears and install. To me this seems alot cheaper. Also you don't have to hang the full axle on the wall just a few gears .

 

Yes, I am in the Woodlands...5 miles (or so) from 1960. I just cringe when thinking about a gear install for two reasons...1. everything I read here, ie whine, ect and 2. I have 1200 miles on her, and to void the warranty??? (Yes a new rear end would void as well, but I would always be able to swap back to my 3.55s

 

$650 is highway robbery. Shop around and get a shop to give you a no whine promise. I paid $430 total and if they start to whine, they get replaced....for free.

 

Is that for the AND the install?

 

My install tomorrow was quoted at $477 for gears, fluids, pinion seal, labor, etc. In the event the bearings need to be replaced, its an additional $140 parts/labor.

 

lol man I've gone back and forth on gears so many times. There are people out there with 4.10 and twin screw blowers. moddadict just posted in another thread here that he would stay with 'em. Still. His car is an auto so it's kind of apples/oranges.