3.73 gears installed (finally!) but still a "clunk"

[Lahodny]

I finally got the 3.73 gears installed in my 1995 Coupe (automatic transmission). It definitely improved off-the-line performance!

It cost $373 for labor and shop supplies. I used the Hypertech tuner to adjust the speedometer, so I didn't have to pay to have the speedo gear installed.

The only remaining problem is that something in the drivetrain still goes "clunk." I have had all the u-joints changed, the wheel bearings are sound, and obviously the rear ring and pinion check out. About the only thing remaining is something in the transmission.

The shop that did the gear install (Adam's Driveshaft) chouldn't find any problems from the driveshaft back.

Any ideas?

Larry in Las Vegas

[bill5674]

Had a simular problem years ago with a suburban.Had the rear redone with same clunk .I believe it was the carrier it self that was worn causing the noise.Hope some one has better info for ya

[garycr14]

Sorry no help for you, but would like to know the effect this has on your fuel economy after you have driven it enough to get an accurate accounting.


Thanks!

[Edmond]

I can't help you either but I have 2 questions:

Are you roasting the tires all the time now?

How is the feel of those 3.73's compared to what you had before?

[86PACER]

Loose rear spindle nuts will cause a "cluck" Check to make sure they are torqued to 165 ft. lbs. with the wheels off the ground. I had a "clunk" and found a loose spindle nut to be the source. Tightened it to 165 ft. lbs. and it went away instantly. It's an easy check and/or fix.

[Lahodny]

So far, I have only driven my Vette in town, with almost all stop and go traffic. Maybe 1 mpg difference in gas mileage, if that.

Definitely need so "stickier" tires. The Bridgestone tires I have are M+S rated, and spin way to easy. I had the 3.07 performance axle prior to the 3.73 gear upgrade, and had wheel spin problems even with that gear ratio.

--Larry in Las Vegas

[Edmond]

Originally Posted by Lahodny

So far, I have only driven my Vette in town, with almost all stop and go traffic. Maybe 1 mpg difference in gas mileage, if that.

Definitely need so "stickier" tires. The Bridgestone tires I have are M+S rated, and spin way to easy. I had the 3.07 performance axle prior to the 3.73 gear upgrade, and had wheel spin problems even with that gear ratio.

--Larry in Las Vegas

Definitely consider the Firestone SZ50's. I've had them for almost 2 years now and they're great.

[warren s]

my next mod, going to 3:73s !!

[Mart]

I'm sorry but who in the world is really concerned about gas mileage when you drive a high performance car.

Seems kinda like an Oxymoron, Performance/Gas mileage......Naw

Just my .02 worth
Mart