Any problems with your GEN 4 gear install?

[VIPER GTSR 91]

I am wanting to have Dana 3:55 rear gears installed this week by my Viper tech on my 09. I have read here and also spoke with a highly regarded Viper svc. rep. that changing the gears on the 08-09 can be a challenging job and the stub axle can really be hard to get out etc. Who has had this done recently and did your tech have any problems doing the exchange? Car has 500 miles on it. Thanks.

 

[BlknBlu]

Mark at Woodhouse made the change to 3.73's on his 08 Coupe. He would know.

Bruce

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

Mark at Woodhouse made the change to 3.73's on his 08 Coupe. He would know.

Bruce

I spoke with Mark already and he was very informative and up front about the issues on the install. Looking for owners who have had this done by their local techs too.

 

[Steve-Indy]

I have heard of more than one such problem...read a few more threads here to get a feel. Were I to decide to do this, there are only a FEW folks that I would consider...noting that you have already mentioned Woodhouse as a good choice. It doesn't really matter where you live, as there are trucks with trailers, and plenty of highways.

The VALUE in dealing with a ''center of excellence'' is priceless!!!

 

[JonB]

I am wanting to have Dana 3:55 rear gears installed this week by my Viper tech on my 09. I have read here and also spoke with a highly regarded Viper svc. rep. that changing the gears on the 08-09 can be a challenging job and the stub axle can really be hard to get out etc. Who has had this done recently and did your tech have any problems doing the exchange? Car has 500 miles on it. Thanks.

100% true. I know of several very good shops that have done multiple 92-06 Vipers that buggered their first and even 2nd 08 / 09.

If your tech has NOT had a hands-on 08-09 rebuild, maybe wait a bit?

Or we can provide a Unitrax-Built swap-out, exchanged for our 7 mile or 209 mile take-out diffs.

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

100% true. I know of several very good shops that have done multiple 92-06 Vipers that buggered their first and even 2nd 08 / 09.

If your tech has NOT had a hands-on 08-09 rebuild, maybe wait a bit?

Or we can provide a Unitrax-Built swap-out, exchanged for our 7 mile or 209 mile take-out diffs.

This is the type of response I was looking for, honest and to the point, and thanks for the email too Jon. I talked with my viper tech today and he has not done an 08 or 09 yet but will look at his computer service info on Mon. at the dealer to see the difference from the Gen 3 install. He will call me back with the info and if he feels compitent to do the work. Maybe wait a bit as you say as I dont want a brand new car messed up or not done right the first time.

 

[BennyBad]

just buy the differential with the new 3:55's in it already, most of them come from unitrax anyways and then your mechanic can just install it. you can swap yours for core credit for the new one or just buy it outright and keep the original. my mechanic knows its difficult and advised me so. you dont want to be the guinee pig for your guy, cause if he screws it up your car will be down for awhile.

 

[ViperGal]

We called JonB and he sent the 08 dif with the gears and we proceeded with a pumpkin swap. Well worth it. I have 3.33s and love them.

Drive on!

ViperGal

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

just buy the differential with the new 3:55's in it already, most of them come from unitrax anyways and then your mechanic can just install it. you can swap yours for core credit for the new one or just buy it outright and keep the original. my mechanic knows its difficult and advised me so. you dont want to be the guinee pig for your guy, cause if he screws it up your car will be down for awhile.

This is a great idea. What is the difference between unitrax and Dana? I heard here the Dana is better or are they the same? About how much is the entire system and about how much is the exchange worth? Thanks again.

 

[Newport Viper]

Unitrax - For driveline and differential parts and services. Using parts from the most reliable companies in the industryana Spicer, American Axle, Timken, Gear Vendors, Torsen, Federal Mogul and Lucas Oils

 

[VicTxV10]

Call JonB. I did and he explained the apples to oranges on the gear swaps. I'm going to going with his Unitrax with 7/16" ring bolts. He'll explain it

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

Unitrax - For driveline and differential parts and services. Using parts from the most reliable companies in the industryana Spicer, American Axle, Timken, Gear Vendors, Torsen, Federal Mogul and Lucas Oils

Thanks. I saw their site earlier but kind of cheesey as they want you to call them or email as they dont even list out all their products with pricing and an order form???? Whats all the secrecy??

 

[BennyBad]

unitrax does the best gear install and have perfected it on the 08 except for the spline issue that AB had. they use the DANA gears or which ever you prefer.

 

[jimchris]

I had troubles, shop #1 failed(no charge) Shop #2 failed($450) sent diff. to Woodhouse and still couldn't get it apart(no charge). Still have the 3:07

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

I had troubles, shop #1 failed(no charge) Shop #2 failed($450) sent diff. to Woodhouse and still couldn't get it apart(no charge). Still have the 3:07

WOW, what a hassle and this is what I am worried about. Thanks for the post.

 

[JonB]

Unitrax and PartsRack both use SPICER-DANA US-made gearsets. Not "Dana Fit" but Spicer-Dana MANUFACTURED. Exception: On the 3:33, there is no current Spicer-Dana offering, so those gears were made under contract in Italy by a custom house there, that does some gears for marques you would know well.

PartsRack maintains a stock of parts AT Unitrax, and they perform all our bench-builds and core-exchanges, as well as sintall and set up our Super-Locks, Visco-Locks and Quaifes. Special tools were neeeded and manufactured to deal with 08-09 issues as described above..... And BOTH PartsRack and Unitrax stand behind these shared products.

 

[redtanrt10]

Mark did my 06 at delivery, no issues. Unitrax quoted me something like $800 plus for 3:55's and $900 for 3:33's for my 08. (swap/install ring and pinion). I live 20 miles from Unitrax so I'm fortunate. Unitax is the best there is. Mark wasn't the low ball cost that some on this board quote and neither is Unitrax Spend a couple of hundred bucks extra a do it right. If your uncomfortable with your shop go the route suggested and buy/trade in the unit

 

[Dan Cragin]

We work closely with Unitrax and Partsrack, if you need any information on an install, we have done over 200 in the last few years. Feel free to call.