Thinking of making the plunge into a rear end....need advice

[shadango]

Ok, now that I look at it the title looks funny...LOL

Anways, been himhawwing about trying to find a used 742 case, 3.55 SG unit or buying one new "somewhere" to replace the 2.76 single leg chunk I have.

Well, looked all this summer for one and no good. Plus, starting to worry that if I did find one used it would need redone anyways, and that costs $$ (I wouldnt do it myself I dont think)....and rather than do the install, find it is bad and then going thru all that hassle and expense, thinking of pulling the trigger on one from a place like Dr Diff, damn the cost. (ouch)

Thing is, should I do it now, knowing that I may not have much time left before the snow flies to install and then test well in case there are any issues, or wait til spring?   Part of this is that I want to take my shaft to be balanced and checked....seems that I may have a loose u-joint already (clunks when going into reverse but not drive, and when cruising at speed I think I can hear a light clunk when I let off the gas and then give it gas again....)....I am also looking to buy/install a driveshaft loop.

What kind of warranty do places like Dr Diff give for chunks, if any? 

What would ya'all do?

[ShelbyDogg]

I would do it as soon as possible befor the weather gets worse.  We always have good days to get the car out to test drive it even in Dec or Jan, so why wait.   User's have had good luck with Randy's Ring and Pinion also. Driveshaft balancing only takes a day.   Jeff(71340RT) sent his Pig to  be checked out and he said all of his bearings were shot, SG was worn and gears were bad, so maybe buying a new one isn't such a bad idea after all.    I've had good luck with used ones. Any Mopar guys around you that can sell you a good set but let you try them first?

[Cooter]

First off, when these type things come in the shop, the FIRSt thing we do is get the car up on the lift and listen for where the noise is coming from....

You need to find out where the "Light clunk" is coming from..Is it driveshaft U joints?
Is it something in the suspension?
Is it something in the Rear axle bearings?
Is it something in the brakes?

It woulkd REALLY suck to buy a new Center section and still hear that "light clunk" that is "Normal" when it isn't normal to you...
As for a Warranty? Well, that's relative, as it would depend on what you were doing when a problem came up with the "Chunk".....

[brads70]

Ok, now that I look at it the title looks funny...LOL

Your not from a Greek background are you? Just sayin.....
I lucked out and got my"489" 3:55 sure grip chunk from a member on here "Travis72" Thanks still working great! Just a simple pinion seal change and installed it! 

[shadango]

Can I ask what that cost you altogether?

If I can luck into a 742 SG 3.55 from a long term member here that knows his stuff I would go that route....but apparently what I am seeking i like the holy grail...LOL 

Plus, unless I found one from a member local, shipping is gonna be what.....$80 or so or more?

[brads70]

Can I ask what that cost you altogether?

If I can luck into a 742 SG 3.55 from a long term member here that knows his stuff I would go that route....but apparently what I am seeking i like the holy grail...LOL 

Plus, unless I found one from a member local, shipping is gonna be what.....$80 or so or more?

I can't remember? I think it was $400? I had it shipped to my inlaws in PA but I can't remember what that cost?. Ya it seems to be the popular gear without an overdrive of some sort.

[shadango]

......it seems VERY popular.

That, and maybe a fiberglass 6-pak hood is on my wish list from santy claus.  LOL

[73EStroker]

Got a friend that bought a brand new 742 SG unit for a van and turned out it was the wrong unit. So this unit is going to be for sale. It is in Calgary. No gears though. Details to come mid next week.

[shadango]

You need to find out where the "Light clunk" is coming from..Is it driveshaft U joints?

yep...turns out it was the rear u-joint.