final drive installation

[john wright]

Larry,
I had a 3.55 final drive installed at Buskirks Oct. of last year. There
2 guys removed the old one and put in the new one in an hour and a half.
Total shop charges 3 hrs labor. They had the special lineup tools and
jack setup. The half shafts need to be pushed to the side after being
loosen from the final. There is a bolt that holds the short shaft on
the drivers side tight. Don't forget to put it back in or your short
shaft will come loose and damage the final drive. My suggestion would
be to call Max Pardy at Buskirks and talk to him. He may be able to
suggest someone close to you that could do the job. (1-800-715-1133) If
your close to Memphis Tenn. Danny Dunn @ Dunn's Transmission builds,
sells and installs GMC transmissions and has the knowledge and
experience on the final drive. His number is 901-734-3866.

J.R. Wright
GMC Greatlaker
77 Eleganza II
Michigan

>
> I am on the verge of upgrading my final drive. What, roughly speaking, is
> involved with installing the "bolt-in" complete units. Several RV mechanics I
> talked to today have, sort of, "begged off". Cinnabar parts lady says I need
> a final drive to transmission gasket. I gues I thought this thing went in
> from the front????? Since I now am fairly intimate with my knuckles and front
> bearings, do these have to be pulled? Cinnabar does this installation in 3
> hours of shop time. Can anybody give me the nickel tour of this installation?
> (While I'm waiting for your response, I will check my shop manual). What
> giffs, inspectok? Larry in MO, PB 75

 

[philip l. stewart]

> I am on the verge of upgrading my final drive. What, roughly speaking, is
> involved with installing the "bolt-in" complete units. ......Can anybody give
> me the nickel tour of this installation?
>

Larry,You can do it if you don't mind the hard work. I installed the Cinnabar
3.42 in my Transmode 2 years ago. There were no really special tools needed. It
took me all week end. The shop manual explained the basic steps to remove and
replace the final drive. I used a shop jack to lower and raise the unit. I
remember that because of the tight spaces, it was easier to install the unit
with the cover pan off . I have been well pleased with the additional hill
climbing performance the 3.42 has given me over the stock 3.07. So, I'd say, "go
for it". Just expect a skinned knuckle or two and an expletive now and then to
help move the process along at critical points. Good luck.
Phil Stewart
'76, Transmode

 

[richard waters]

I am wondering if I am lazy. The thought of spending the weekend
messing around under my coach changing the final drive out and
getting irritated and dirty is not my idea of a good time. If those
folks at places like Cinnabar or Buskrik can do the job for roughly
$150, I say let them do it. I'd rather mess with my headliner these
days. 20 years ago I'd gone for it and made the switch myself. I
guess now I figure my time is worth more then the 10-12 hours that
kind of job would take me.
Richard Waters '76 PB, Troy, MI
- ----

>
> > I am on the verge of upgrading my final drive. What, roughly speaking, is
> > involved with installing the "bolt-in" complete units. ......Can anybody give
> > me the nickel tour of this installation?
> >
>
> Larry,You can do it if you don't mind the hard work. I installed the Cinnabar
> 3.42 in my Transmode 2 years ago. There were no really special tools needed. It
> took me all week end. The shop manual explained the basic steps to remove and
> replace the final drive. I used a shop jack to lower and raise the unit. I
> remember that because of the tight spaces, it was easier to install the unit
> with the cover pan off . I have been well pleased with the additional hill
> climbing performance the 3.42 has given me over the stock 3.07. So, I'd say, "go
> for it". Just expect a skinned knuckle or two and an expletive now and then to
> help move the process along at critical points. Good luck.
> Phil Stewart
> '76, Transmode