My Camaro has a 3.55/12 bolt posi, which is making some noise since I bought the car around 4 years ago. I've been relegating this rear end overhaul for two main reasons. One, there is no shop around capable of doing this kind of job, on older cars, the right way (the way I want it). I can tell cause I've asked and the replies are always the same, we do that by feeling, and I don't like that. Second, I felt it was too difficult to do it at home. Now I have decided to jump on that proyect by myself, and obviously with the help of you Guys. :D Now my question; can someone provide me with a way to identify if the ring and pinion needs to be replaced? I'm going to order a kit like the one on the photo, hoping the noise comes from worn bearings, cause apparently the posi unit is working OK. http://www.hotrod.com/hotrod/techarticles/p159690_image_small.jpg
But more important for me is, knowing if the noise will be eliminated, simply by installing/setting the kit, or if the ring and gear needs to be replaced all together. Don't want to spend more $$ than what is needed. Any teeth wear pattern photo or details? big gear head, are you around? graemlins/waving.gif

[ 07-15-2003, 05:13 PM: Message edited by: ORENCH ]

It is very difficult to set up a used ring & pinion by the contact pattern because of the normal wear on the contact surfaces. If you get a good pattern at all it will be on the coast side where there is much less wear. As for the kit, the shims in the one pictured are a little difficult to work with because they don't allow for fine adjustments. You basically get it close and live with it. There are better kits available. I'm sure that we can coach you through this set up, but it is about impossible to tell if a gear set is good or bad by looking at pictures. It is very difficult to tell if it is good or bad if I'm holding it in my hands.

I kinda imagined that, but I had to ask anyway. Regarding the kit, I'll be contacting you when time comes to order. Thanks a lot