Twisted

So tomorrow, my car goes under the wrench and gets 3.55s installed. The shop that is doing the work will charge like $675 for the work, including gears and pinion seal (and bearing?). The owner of the shop has recommended that I also have the axle bearings and seals replaced while the rear is open. The problem is, this will bring the total to around $815. I called another shop that only works on diffs, and they said they would charge $775 for the same work--so I guess that's the going rate around here. My question is: Should I have the axle bearings and seals done, or may this not be necessary? I have a hunch that it may be a false economy not to; I'm just a little tight on money right now. Any thoughts?

PRO50SC

Those prices seem high!! Have you checked around to compare?

Twisted

By the way, the car has 105k miles.

Twisted

Yes, I have. Unfortunately, that price seems to be on the high end of normal around here. Sucks, but I'd rather have a reputable shop do the work, even though it costs more.

PRO50SC

Did they give a break down of parts and labor, or just a lump some price?

Twisted

They gave a breakdown. I'm going out for a while right now, but when I get back, I'll break it down, and see what you guys think. Also, I chose them for two other reasons: They are close, and they can do the work in a few hours.

PRO50SC

Cool!

meiguoren33

Wheel bearings, posi clutches, carrier bearings, the bill can go on and on. Since the carrier will be out, I'd consider having the posi clutches replaced. The 3.55's will be giving them a little more stress. If you are going to change the gear oil 500 miles after break in, then rethink axle bearings and seals at that time. Hopefully, money won't be tight by then!

Twisted

Thanks for the reply, Meiguoren33. So it really won't save me too much money to have the bearings and seals done while they change the gears? They can be done easily during a fluid change?

By the way, Pro50, this is the breakdown:

Ford Racing gears--$205
Races and bearings kit--$185
Redline gear oil--$17
Axle bearings--$70
Axle seals--16

Labor for gears--$240
Labor for axle bearings/seals--$44.25
Tax--$38.21

I know it sounds steep, but last weekend, my wife and I paid over $40 for two pancake breakfasts at a local restaurant. This is why we are moving back to Philly in a couple of months.

Twisted

This is what I'm thinking: If they pull the rear apart, and say that the axle bearings and seals look good, then I'll hold off on replacing them. That way, I can get some new rear tires to help with my new traction problems. Sound logic?