3.42to 4.10 install,whats so hard

[COWL327]

I have been a aircooled engine mechanic for 21 years and have built my share of small block bowties,rebuilt everything from the front end back...but, Ive only changed gears in one gm rear axle and for my first time it went really well (or I got lucky) Is it possible to do it yourself without the specialty tools needed for tweaking depth and contact,such as plastigauge or paint.Nobody that I know has been into a late model.My 2000 broke some planetary gears and took my tranny withit (shattered the sunshell amongst other vital components) I was on the gas when I hit a wet spot, spun up and the grabbed second on dry pavement....BANG! Anyway lookin for suggestions or past experience It couldnt be that hard.I could change a 3 speed in my camino in under an hour after my 8th one,so I really think I could do this.One more thing and Im not trying to screw anybody around but if my gears go under warranty couldnt I pay the differance for parts and change the ratio....When I file warranty all they need is part numbers installed and labor time on the form and its not like GM hasnt replaced gears under warranty before.Hell the 2000 4L60E was bullet proof(per the service writer at my dealership)

[RedHeartbeat]

Sounds like warranty should cover the G80, gears and transmission if you are still covered. I'd let the dealer install all of it so that you have quality parts. I'd then bring it home and swap the G80 out for an Eaton, Auburn or Detroil locker and Ebay the G80. Changing the locker out is only as tough as setting backlash since the pinion depth won't be changing. The dealer probably will want to put back stock size gears but you may be able to talk them into putting 4.10s in there. They may void the warranty on that part of the drivetraing but who cares, it's new now.

[COWL327]

Thats what I thought...Iwouldnt mind them voiding the warranty if they made the change for me.Heartbeat that was my 2000 truck...My 2004 has a 100k extended warranty and only 28k miles on it.Does anybody have a rear end that wines or sings when its cold.Mine does it every morning as I coast down to the stop sighn.And only for a short time...Probly cold lube

[RedHeartbeat]

whining gears is 90% of the time bad tooth alignment. If the pinion depth is not correct you get whining. Too deep, whine at acceleration. Too shallow, whine at decel. Get it right and you get no noise unless you are low on fluid.

[COWL327]

I C

[Sheep]

I just did a 3.42 to 4.10 swap on my '05 4x4... to be exact, I had it done at performance shop using Motive gears which I got online at very good price; gears are dead quiet. Took them through recommended break-in procedure and used synth lube in diffs. Personally, this is one area of repair I stay away from as I'm not wanting to ruin a large investment.

The local GMC dealer whom I'm on good terms with would overlook lots of stuff I did, but said if they knew I had swapped gears, they'd void my entire driveline warranty. They had originally said they'd do the swap but then changed their minds so I looked elsewhere. It all stinks since 4.10's are an option on shortbed reg cab 4x4's. GM has ticked my off mightily in recent years; I've only bought about 25 cars (mostly Chevy) from them!!!

[COWL327]

Hey sheep, is that a picture of my ex wife on your avatar! Sorry I couldnt resist my dealer was the same way. they over looked alot since my dad and I purchased new trucks every two years.Now they act like I just walked in off the street or somethin! :flipoff: Maybe its time to try a differant dealer....Thanks for the Input gentleman