About how much does a shop charge to install a 3:73 posi?

Question

I have already priced the parts. The 3:73 gears are on sale for about $250.00 and the Posi is about $400.00 to $450.00. So, if i buy the parts and take both parts and truck to a shop. How much should I estimate paying? I have nowhere to do the work myself so I'm forced to use speed shops. I have contacted a VERY reputable garage in my area and he charges $80.00 an hour. Is that a fair price and how much time should I estimate him taking?

Answer 1

The job should take about 2.5 - 3.0 hours. (This is directly out of the price book for your vehicle). My shop uses the man hour books to estimate a good majority of our in and out repairs. On average it takes 30-60 minutes less than what is specified.

The swap you're considering is not a difficult job, especially on an S10. If you're supplying the parts I can't imagine the total cost being much over $250 including gear oil. I'd recommend supplying your own gear oil as well....a premium brand will stand up to heat/friction quite a bit better than what the "house" usually has on the shelves.

Hope it works out for you.

Answer 2

First, I'd look for a complete, used axle if you can find one with the right ratio. Replacing the ring and pinion gear isn't that big of a deal, HOWEVER, getting it shimmed to the correct tolerances is VERY time consuming. Install it, put blueing on the gears, rotate it, check the wear marks, take it apart, add or subtract a shim, reassemble it, blue it, rotate and on and on until right. Installed incorrectly, it'll howl or while or if far enough out of tolerances, destroy the gears.

Answer 3

Make sure the shop will install some one elses parts first. You should try to do it yourself. It's really not that hard.

Answer 4

I had a parttime mechanic install my 3.73 gears and posi unit and he charged me $125.00.

Answer 5

$300.00 TO $350.00 + PARTS.

90 DAY WARRANTY ONLY ON ASSEMBLY LABOR AND NO WARRANTY ON YOUR OWN PARTS.