Big plans for the heavy chevy

[HARDTRAILZ]

There are some guys pretty good w HPT on GMT. I would ask there.

[Wahugg]

If I recall correctly, 02-05 models can not have the gear ratio rewritten.

-Wahugg

[mikekey]

If I recall correctly, 02-05 models can not have the gear ratio rewritten.

-Wahugg

Yeah, I was wonder that impression too. Nor could the speedo be adjusted for larger tire size.

[Shdwdrgn]

I've heard of the problems with adjusting the speedo for tire size, but seriously there has to be *some* way to tell the computer what your gear ratio is. What am I looking at, probably the TCCM that would hold that info? Surely they didn't have a different model for each gear set?

[fishsticks]

PCM4Less did my 02 TB and was able to adjust the speedo. I think it's hit or miss on 02-05. I haven't played with a tuner since my LT1 days so I have no direct point of reference.

[navigator]

since different gear ratios came in the 02-05 you would think that there would be a way to update the ratio even if you couldn't udpate the speedo related to tire size.

[DirtyBacon04]

Well, the hard part is done. the front diff has officially been replaced. Didn't have to drop the oil pan or bring it up through the hood. It wasn't easy, but here was our approach: Print off GM technical instructions... ignore them completely. Ended up taking off or loosening the following items: Driver side LCA, both struts, both CVs, disco, I-shaft, steering rack, front drive shaft, knuckle skin, and the two metal brackets just aft of the oil pan.

I commited the mortal sin of a contributing SME... I didn't do a full step by step breakdown w/ pics. But i do have random pics... Total time from first torque broken to drive off ~7 hours. Rear axle is tomorrow. then a much needed alignment.





Crack goes from below output all way to top of case. We'll crack it open tomorrow.

[Shdwdrgn]

MORE DETAILS PLEASE!!!

I'm dreading this part. I need to locate some replacement seals for the new diff (might as well do it now), and hopefully swap mine starting on the 5th. The rear axle took me 5 1/2 hours, but I also don't have an air wrench or anything fancy. I'm planning a whole weekend for swapping my front, and I've never worked on front-end parts before.

[DirtyBacon04]

Well my friend. I don't want to put out an instructional thread here for something when we took way too long to do it, with some un-needed work.

Overall processs
-Wheels off
-Struts out
-Driver side LCA out. NOTE: For this we did it for extra work space only, not needed. Also we just took it out from the frame, left the ball joint attached and tied up the whole assy out of the way.
-CVs out NOTE: On this we already unbolted diff and disco. Passenger side CV, disco, and I-shaft was all pulled out as one (see pic above)
-Remove fwd drive shaft (careful with ujoint caps!!)
-two large lateral brackets just aft of engine (not sure if there is a name for them, pic attached below)


(this is where the large brackets were, also sorry for crappy pics)



-disconnected steering rack and let driver side hang
-unbolted engine knock sensor (just for extra wiggle room)
-unbolt two center engine mounts, jack motor up slightly
-Roll diff 180 degrees (inwards)
-Wiggle out back, over steering rack

This was not an easy process, but it saved me from draining 7qts of Mobil1 full syn

[Shdwdrgn]

Thanks, every little bit helps. So, having gone through the process, do you think a single person can do this (you keep saying 'we' so I assume you had a helper)?

[DirtyBacon04]

The route that I took would be impossible with one person. If you tried the actual GM instructions, which include dropping oil pan, it could probably be done by yourself.

Also the guy I was working with was very smart, to the point where I was the 'helper'!

[Trail X]

Thanks Bacon! That might save me a few minutes too. Why did you need to rotate the diff 180 degrees?

[Shdwdrgn]

Ugh... Well, I gotta try. I can probably get someone to help for the heavier parts. I'm good at remembering how everything goes back together again, so I'll just have to take the chance and dive in.

[Gordinho80]

I did exactly this when I changed my front diff... I did not find it very difficult.

Now replacing transfer case... Tough for 1 person but not impossible.

[DirtyBacon04]

Thanks Bacon! That might save me a few minutes too. Why did you need to rotate the diff 180 degrees?

Well for some reason it'll only go in or out in that manner. Obviously it's not symmetrical, and every little wiggle helped. Also alot of prying as you wiggle. Oddly enough, against the unwritten rules of mechanics, it was easier to reinstall than to pull out!

I did exactly this when I changed my front diff... I did not find it very difficult.

Well, clearly, you must've discovered alot of our un-needed work before we did. We had a full 4 point lift and holding that diff over my head for too long got tiring and frustrating. I think laying on a creeper and being able to do front diff push ups might have been easier. THAT and you are just better than me

[Gordinho80]

I imagine standing under and holding it above your head would be very tiring. Sorry.

[fishsticks]

This sounds a lot like the method Mike Barton's buddy claimed to use. I had no luck getting mine out that way. I wonder if my motor mounts were sagging and not giving me the room I needed.

[mikekey]

Yeah I need to meet your smart friend when I do mine.

[navigator]

Yeah I need to meet your smart friend when I do mine.

LOL

[jonbo2002]

Yeah I need to meet your smart friend when I do mine.

So will I when and if I get a chance to regear. I know one thing is for sure if I ever have to replace my TB I will try my hardest to find one with 410's