GM 12-Bolt rear diff UPGRADE: Positraction and gear swap | Hagerty DIY
Do you have a whole bunch of power under your hood? Are you only spinning one wheel on those burnouts? Hagerty's Davin Reckow is here to help you solve all your one-wheel peel problems. Our 1969 Chevy Camaro SS just got a freshly rebuilt, modestly hot-rodded engine, and it’s in serious need of a lower gear and some Positraction goodness. Davin goes step-by-step to show you how to swap out your rear end with a burnout-approved limited-slip differential.
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I'm not even half way on this video and I can say with confidence this is by far the best video on KZhead on how to install gears.
Its like a dream come true.
Bernie Sanders I don’t know about your name but I know you are right about this video.👍😃
@@nickd920 This was great! He said he had that ring rear in and out TWENTY TIMES! It's all about those shims.Much respect.
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i've done more than a few gear swaps myself(successfully), and even i picked up a couple things from this video.
Yellow bottle making fart noises, is the best was to start any video on KZhead. This is an excellent video for upgrade carrier or gear ratio change. As he noted, this was a 3.08:1 ratio. Meaning the drive shaft turns 3 times to every turn of the wheel. Most people come in when they have noise. Changing the gear lube and kept at the correct level is important. I wish the quick lube guys knew this instead of trying to find a $46 PCV valve. The ring gear tosses gear oil thru a tunnel cast onto the pinion breathing’s, as we discussed a ready turn fast and ran somewhat low, will wear quicker. If this is the case, when apart, clean the metal flake out. Don’t forget the axle tubes and outer bearing wells. Spray carb cleaner followed by a rag, pushed inward with a broom handle. The worse it is, rinse & repeat. Air check the case vent on top to make sure it breathes as expansion & expansion occurs has to go somewhere, instead of seals. The outer axle bearing wells do hold gear lube so add some while installing the axles. When full, during long off-ramp turns, gear lube will fill these pockets by centrifugal forces. 1 more reason the keep the lube clean and full while level. Some companies manufacturer expensive high-tech rear covers that drop the temperature of high horse power and pulling trucks. Just keep in mind the most all us, realize that high temperatures break down and destroy man-made additives in GL-5 and others. As one of the best diff videos on KZhead, there are a lot of things to think of. So, if the pinion seal starts leaking on your parking spot, think about the consequences of not fixing it... or least taking your bottle and make fart noise. My question is, who put the muffler in that spot?
GM put all Camaro mufflers in that spot, all generations. Duals are aftermarket.
Setting a ring and pinion always seemed like black magic to me before this video. Thank you for doing such a thorough job teaching us.
for heating bearings a electric skillet with whatever oil is laying about can't be beat. good thermostat to maintain whatever temp you want.
I think you are over estimating the ability of most people to set the gears up right. I loved to see the spacer you made to run the truck seal. I set up one set of gears for my 70 chevelle 12 bolt about 10 years ago. I was paranoid that I didn't get the bearing preload on the pinion right. I had a old timer look at my work and said it was about right. A video like this would ensure it is done correctly. Thank you for the content.
Ratech makes the correct seal.
Always enjoy watching Davin work and the way he explains everything. You can tell he takes pride in his work, and passing on his knowledge. My father always told me this, " You can only keep what you know, by giving it away".
I can smell the gear oil! I raced a 12 bolt setup back in the 80s (Moroso Brute Strength center) and was taught that the seal should be left out, bearings lubed with gear oil, moly lube or grease on the pinion nut and washer (to make the crushing easier and preserve the pinion threads), crush the sleeve to spec, (with a Snap-On dial style torque-meter if you have access to one) Once at spec, back off and torque the pinion nut to spec, recheck drag - creeping up on it if needed. Once the preload is set, dis-assemble to install seal (lubed with gear oil and a little sealer under the washer), then re-torque to spec. If all was well, the preload was accurately set without the seal drag effecting the setting, but you could recheck the drag and it usually went up 15-20 in/lbs with the seal in place. I always did it this way, and I'm sure you can get away with setting it during final assembly like you did, especially on a street car, but this was the preferred method according to GM and Richmond Gear back in the day. Hope it helps. Great video
That was the clearest explanation of setting the pinion shaft I have come across. I had a new Yukon rearend put in my truck from reputable repair shop and it whines to no end. I know now the pinion shaft is not set correct. Looks like I'm going to fix it myself.
I watched this video at least 50 times when I was redoing the 12 bolt on my Chevelle. Thank you so much for giving me the confidence to get the job done!
🧰🔧⚙️🔩I KNOW FOR A FACT THE HAGERTY YOU TUBE CHANNEL IS THE SINGLE MOST INFORMATIVE CHANNEL ON THE TUBE! Quality info that is explained by someone with dirt under his nails not brooks brothers on his feet! I appreciate all the time and effort everyone at HAGERTY invests in making this kick ass channel
this whiteboy is by a mile ahead the best youtube tutorial ever on how to install gears, i had like 4-5 doubts about the install process before i came here, now im leaving feeling like an expert, new subscriber for sure
Hands down the best posi and gear install vid on youtube
This is definitely the best video on KZhead on this subject. Thank you.
You are a very good instructor . You were thorough , precise,and explained everything to the smallest detail that alot of instructors skip over ! Thank you and I will keep this video as future reference .
Between you guys and Ericthecarguy, our knowledge has been enriched, our confidence boosted and our appreciation is beyond words. Thank You!! If I am ever up against this task, you have my back. We all should aspire to help others like you and Eric have done over time. Cheers! Zip~
I really like Eric the car guy also. But, I watched his video on this subject and didn't see him measure the pinion depth. Which I feel is very important. I'm getting ready to put a Yukon in my truck and have been doing alot of research on this subject. This video here in my opinion is the real deal.
If you like them check out South Main Auto and Scannerdanner.
Amen brother!knowledge is power
I love all the detailed information that is included in this video. Other shows would have had this done in 10 minutes of video and glossed over all the important details. Keep up the good work.
By far the best video on R&R of a 12 bolt axle set. I have a watched a few and have actually done gear changes on the 9" Ford so the concepts carry over. Very well presented in easy to understand terms and instead of spending hundreds of dollars on checking tools you provide a $2 solution. That alone was worth the watch.
I think, this has been the best explanation on how to rebuild or lash rear axles. Well done guys!!
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@@darrylwheat6524 jj
This is the best how to do video on automotive repairs I have seen to this day. Specifically on rear differentials and gear changing, up grading axles, or even carrier bearing replacement. I don't know how much was scripted or edited but it was perfect. The explanation from start to finish was for the everyday person, camera filming was clear and on point. They say the Devil is in the details , so when you took the time to show the torquing of the bolts and ramping up in stages to final specified numbers was one of those details where in other shows and videos they skip all the time. I liked your fix for the pinion seal. For most of us without a lift I'm guessing will most likely not have a lathe as well, but you gave the solution we can get a ring or collar machined. I have been a mopar person my whole life and have been spoiled by choice when swapping gears. I would intentionally buy cars with the 8.75 rear end, mostly because it is the best choice for any car with any horse power plus the ease of maintenance. changing the gears is a piece of cake which the 3rd member comes out as one piece, just like the Ford 9 inch. That is really swapping out the pumpkin not breaking down the unit and changing to another ring and pinion like you did in your video. In the past I would swap rear differentials before attempting to change out a set of gears in Dana rear end. Your video has changed my mind about doing a gear swap on a 10 or 12 bolt gm rear end or Chrysler 7.25 or Dana 60. Keep up the good work on your videos. You were being nice to the new gears and bearings in your burn out right?? I hope so, for a big block on street tires, those should light up and spin until they pop or you let up off the gas. I would think that the life span for the rear tire would be greatly diminished after the posi installation and the lower gears. I was hoping you were going to show the RPM at 60 mph before and after with the new gears and tires. Also was hoping you were going to put in the new speedometer gear and go over the rule of thumb for ratio of teeth when swapping to larger tires and/or gears. Maybe a quick follow up video?
ive been a diesel mech for 35 years ive set up a few diffs in my day this guy knows how to do it right. And probably the easiest way
I like your style of thoroughness very in-depth on everything, kudos to you.
I've been looking at diff rebuild videos for months and this is by far the best. Thank you!
This is one of the best “how to” viedo on how to repair and change the gears on the rear end. Very professional. Mike
Great video! I did this job with the rear end housing on the bench, and was glad I did it this way. I took the time to install new axles/bearings and installed new coils springs, shocks, and a rear disc brake conversion. I took my time and it took me a day and a half. I would not have wanted to do this with the housing in the car.
Thanks for this video. Rebuilt my GM 8.2 in my 71 Chevelle. Went with 3.73 gears and Eaton Posi. It was a success thanks to you guys. 🤘
Without a doubt the most professional rear end rebuild I have seen yet, THX
Can't believe it took me this long to find this video, this is miles better than any gear swap video and has finally given me the confidence to do it myself.
I did this whole thing twice back about 30 years ago, he nailed quite of few mistakes I made, and learned from. Spot on!
Early on, I could tell that this was the most practical/usable Hagerty video that I have yet to watch! I had NO idea that the rear seal included in kits these days was a truck seal - that explains the pesky leak I never seem to get rid of - thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for taking the time to speel this out, and give a viable solution!! I also really appreciated seeing how Davin chose to set up bearing preload, it was so simply, it was a "DUH" moment for me!! Thanks again!!
I vaguely knew how to work in a diff, now I see what all is involved. Outstanding job, thank you !!
hands down one of the best step by step out there!!! please do more of this!
I watched this to gain a better understanding of positraction. This guy is real nice and he's an excellent instructor. No sensationalized demeanor with him. I was never bored, and I'm planning to find more videos that Davin Reckow has done.
Change the gears one day and drive it on the same day next day you're on it!! I always thought you had to take it easy up 100 miles? I just changed my gears from a 253 to a 355 getting ready to take it out for the third day baby the thing. So when is it okay to actually get on it?? Was limited slip now a posi
I agree with prior comment, this is by far the best instructional video on changing your ring & pinnion and setting up your carrier assembly. He uses language we can understand and explains when each step is completd & what it MUST look & feel like. Thank you!
The most thorough how-to video I've seen. Great work Davin. Thank you for taking your time to produce it.
Jerry - It's our pleasure! Thanks for being a fan.
Davin is a wizard. I could watch him rebuild car stuff all day
I drove my old truck for 13 years with the rearend seal leaking just enough to coat the underside of the bed with gear oil. Never enough to worry about... Now I wonder I had that same seal issue. Thank you for all you do! These are absolutely priceless.
Great video, very detailed, thank you! Now that the positraction for the Camaro is finished I'll be looking forward to more on the Nailhead rebuild.
I was so excited to see that you guys did a detailed video on diffs. They are so hard to find.
By far the very best illustration on putting gears in... hell, beat illustration on even changing seals.. Thank you!
By the way,I am in no way an expert mechanic. But as someone that did this same install (God bless the Haynes manual!) on a 1986 K10 stepside,this guy is my new hero. Honest mechanics rule!!!
Very thorough step by step learning process.
This job is tedious but this is one of the best videos I have seen that explains it in simple terms.
By far the best instructional video on differential upgrades. Thank you
Thank you! This video is great. This is the first time I’ve had this issue in my 71 SS (that many people tried to tell me it wasn’t a true SS) 🤣
Simply the best channel on KZhead !! Thanks Davin/Hagerty !!
Davin, you’re videos are the gold standard as far as I’m concerned. Thank you for the amazing work that you do. My 16 year old son and I have been binge watching your videos during quarantine. Just finished this 12 bolt install masterpiece. Next time I get up North I’ll have to see if you can meet for a beer !
Thanks for watching, Michael! -Davin
This is how all how to videos should be presented! All of a sudden I now "think" I can do this.. Nice easy to understand how to, Great job!
When I changed gear ratios in my 69 SS Chevelle way back in 74, I removed the plates and springs that lock the wheels together and had a heck of a time compressing the plates together and inserting them. The shop manual showed using a couple of C-clamps but they had to be released to get the plates back in. SO, I compressed the plates and springs together with clamps and then tied the plates together with many loops of fishing line through each of the springs. After inserting the plates/springs, I cut the fishing line and pulled it out!! Worked like a champ!
You know he's a pro when there's a calibration sticker on his torque wrench. Way to go man.
What a wealth of information and knowledge. True privilege to bear witness to this. Thank you Davin.
Great video We need more old-school mechanic shops like this around 👍
Wow...i felt like i was in a actual car mechanic class in college with lab-time and instructor! Double thumbs up for Davin for a super-cool video!!
I very much agree and I'm a retired mechanic , the problem with S.K.F. seals doesn't surprise me . I've experienced other minor issues myself . take care
Absolutely the best and most educational and informative video on KZhead!!! Great job guys!!!
you made all this make complete sense now! I was always doubting myself on how to do the pinion depth. Not now. Thanks again! Plus i can now tell my wife I need a toaster oven for the garage hehe
LOL
Great Video!! I've done this a few times and I still learned A LOT. I know if I have occasion to do it again it'll be easier and better. I remember once using a 3/4 " breaker bar and 6 foot length of pipe on the crush sleeve while the car was on a lift and the car did raise up on one side. You're right, not something to do while on just jackstands!!!
Thank you for posting this. Just lost a pinion bearing in my 73 blazer and this helped a lot.
What a great video all details covered. I was going to take it to a shop but based on your video I think I can do it myself. I have to say, EXCELLENT job!!!
Takes me back to working in the shop with dad but without the cursing, good job!
Long time wrench and restorer. Watched a few other videos on this and your is by far the best and clearest explanation on how to do this. Tkx BTW should do a follow up on how you calculated the speedo gear replacement. I stock the entire set but when I did a 70 Chevelle I had to change the other plastic gear on the tail shaft too.
Thanks for this in-depth video, I will be doing this to mine in the near future and this helped me out so much. Thanks again!
Amazingly professional, accurate, and informative. Thank you.
Another great video! I have learned a lot from your detailed explanations. Thanks and please keep them coming!
Right on the money. Just swapped to a 4.10 and refreshed my knowledge/experience here with this vid. Great job!
Excellent tutorial, this is exactly how I've been doing this for the last 40 years, only difference is that I made the investment early on to purchase a dedicated depth gauge. Thank you for taking so much effort to cover all the bases.
Peg leg burn-outs are just never cool. Anyway, i've watched A LOT of gear swap vids on you tube. This is by far the best one going. Clear and concise explanations. Good job on this one guys.
Powerful cars feel helpless if the right rear tire just lifts and spins...
exactly to everything in your comment. Just watch Bullet when the mustang is pealing out it is one tire on bias ply rubber and the rear end is hopping all over the place. Still the greatest car chase scene, but not great PR for the mustang.
@@jamesbetts3371 - Only Burt Reynolds 'Bandit' got posi cars...
@@jamesbetts3371 So did the bad guys Charger do better with the traction ? I know I was impressed how it lost 5 or 6 hubcaps during the chase scene !
It's like the "This Old House" of car mechanics!! More videos like this, please!!
Kevin S. Logan I wonder what the age limit is on who know what this old house means
Great video brother. Great description on setting pinion depth. Wouldnt believe how few guys get the tooth wear pattern correct. After rebuilding mopar diffs I see why chevys are always breaking, everything is small. Ring gear pinion bearings. Great teacher my man.
Another great video! Thank you very much for that pinion seal tip. Now I know to look out for that on the factory re-builds for cars! 👍🏼👍🏼
+ or - .002 at the Pinion! Thanks for the Video, remembering back in the day, not having the Precision Tools, but learning from mistakes, building Pos Differentials blind.
Now that's pretty crazy how I'm betting this comment was meant to be on Patricks 69 SS video, yet it ended up on here instead, lol! Am i right? Because I just went from that video to here myself. Sometimes the comments end up on the wrong video while we're typing it as the vid switches. It's done it to me plenty of times. Lol! ▪☆☆☆▪
Ran into that seal problem before and a speedy sleeve similar to the one that saved my harmonic balancer saved the day. Not only with a wider, locatable too, sealing surface but in the future neither of us wept again.
Excellent video. None of the other bull crap you get in other videos. You show us what we come to watch. Thank you for great content. Best videos by far.
Great video, and especially the tip on the seal engagement.
Bye bye one tire fryer!! I would watch, learn from and trust any auto mech tutorial from this guy. Great description! Thanks for making this video. I subscribed and plan to watch em all 👍👍
Very good video for a mechanic to follow on rebuilding a rear differential, one thing I would say though, if you go that far you should change the axle seals too.
Geez , great job sir , you are so patient and very and very knowledgeable and the details are most excellent !
So detailed! I enjoyed the video a lot, please keep the great work guys.
Just loved the video and the way you explained it in detail ! Really great job 👍😀
You make great videos. Also love the 80's cabinets in the background LOL
Great video. I did my 14 bolt Chevy on the side of a steep road on jack stands. Took 2 days. Just to accidentally do a granny gear burnout and shattered the housing. Gave up on rebuilding rear ends after that.
I've seen the rest but now I have seen the best. Thank you so very much as I am doing this same surgery very soon and able to do so confidently. Cheers
perfect ! as i am about to tackle a 1987 chevy G-10 rear axle upgrade . im going from a 3.08 open , to a 3.42 posi . although mine is a GM 10 bolt , this DIY is awesome for us do it yourselfers .
Appreciate the course..... love how you got in detail explanation on the critical points of the install...I have a 85 K1500 an want to do the gearing myself...an you have giving me the confidence to tackle it... Thank you good sir
This is exactly the how to video i needed to see, thank you and very well done my man!!
Who else would just sit and watch Davin work on cars all day
That was amazing, I could actually do the job right using this. The metallurgy comment about temp and discoloring is very valid though, you will get the desired expansion at much lower temps without hurting the bearing.
Great vid. I need to make a gear change in my Nova 12 bolt, so this was a good learning experience. I was always confused by the crush sleeve. I thought that was how pinion depth was achieved.
Absolutely excellent quality video with great step by step explanations and tips !
Probably the best Differential Service/ Repair video on KZhead...perfectly explained and executed... although I'm not going anywhere near a Differential...the most I can do is replace an Oil Filter...
I said before, and say again - Davin was the perfect pick for this job.
He's the best! Thank you for watching.
best explanation ever... I have so much confidence in Davin
One of the best DIY videos I have seen. Thanks!
My god that was informative! This has always been a mystery to me until now. Well done!
I’m loving this. Please more Hagerty DIY tutorials just like this.
I want to quit my job and work in your shop! Thank you for this detailed video - VERY COOL rear-end gear/carrier swap.
Great video and easy to understand. By far the most trusted explanation out there, but as said before; I'm not keen on the idea of getting the new bearings that hot.
Excellent video., explanations were clear and concise. I have a press but i like the toaster oven trick Thanks again
I used the grill.
Great teacher To the point no fluff Explains tools required and giving proactive advice as you progress into the project
53:01 I like that guy in the backgrounds upbeat personality! 👍
Love the longer videos! Keep em coming!