Trying to pick up a 3.42 rear in place of my 2.73 rear

**allbaugh_04** · 12-05-2010, 08:02 AM

I've been looking to upgrade my gear ratio for sometime. I have a cam and 4000 stall for those that don't know. This guy has a roller ws6 with a 3.42 rear, so I'm curious how much I should offer for the rear...2-300?

I know mines 4 channel cuz I have ABS and ASR, but it doesn't really matter does it? It'll bolt right up fine, correct?

I think it'd be a decent upgrade for the money, wouldn't you say?

**35th-ANV-SS** · 12-05-2010, 08:08 AM

I've seen them go anywhere from $150-$450. When I sold mine when I got my 9", I sold it for $425, but it also only had 12,000 miles on it.

I would low ball it at $200 and go from there. Never hurts to start low, you never know they might bite.

If you have 4 channel now, you have the WSS mounted to each backing plate on both sides of the car and a reluctor ring is pressed onto the ends of each axle for your ABS.

A 3-channel will have the sensor on the pumpkin itself.

I'm not sure on the "fitment", but I would have to think it would work, you just wouldn't have ABS or TC anymore and those lights would be ON all the time on your dash.

**allbaugh_04** · 12-05-2010, 08:16 AM

I'll have to ask him and double check then to see if it's a 4 channel. Should be an easy, simple swap for the rear.

Easier than a gear change I would think.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 12-05-2010, 08:23 AM

Yep...and cheaper

**Demon_Z28** · 12-05-2010, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

I'll have to ask him and double check then to see if it's a 4 channel. Should be an easy, simple swap for the rear.

Easier than a gear change I would think.

Easy way to tell is if you have a traction control button or not. If you do, you have a 4 channel.

I have a 3 channel in my car currently (blew up my rear end twice) and I am suppose to have a 4 channel. So my ABS light is on and so is my ASR light. Those won't turn off until I get a 4 channel set up.

**INMY01TA** · 12-07-2010, 04:39 PM

When I got my 12 bolt I sold my 10 bolt w/4:10s for $100.

**TLS_Addict** · 12-07-2010, 05:17 PM

Gears + installation kit = $260 + shop to put them in or try it yourself.

I am looking for a 4 channel 3.42 posi myself and every one I see is $400+ and they have a ton of miles on them. Better just put in the 3.73s and call it a day.

Would the series II carrier be as strong or stronger than a series III? With the thicker ring gear it should be stronger, correct? Just wondering as I have a series II (2.73 gear ratio) in my car now. It sucks....lol

**southpaw0314** · 12-07-2010, 05:30 PM

you can use it if its a 3 channel, all you have to do is switch over your current backing plates and your axles because they have the reluctor rings.

**allbaugh_04** · 12-07-2010, 07:02 PM

Ok it's a 3 channel with 60k.

If I were to buy it, how do I keep the ABS light off?

**southpaw0314** · 12-07-2010, 10:17 PM

read the second paragraph
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/gears-...-3-w-pics.html

**RyanJM** · 12-07-2010, 11:31 PM

Sometimes it's cheaper but I know my 3.23's gave out at 70k. I got the motive 3.73's and a rebuild kit amd it's a great combo dd and track setup and it cost me around $500 or so for parts and install. It was a while ago so it maybe $600 by now but I trust my rebuilt over someone else's used rear, at least till I have the cash for a Dana 60 , or Ford 9". My .02

**allbaugh_04** · 12-08-2010, 04:48 AM

Sounds like it's a pita just to get abs. I might wait for a 4 channel rear.

**oldmanZ28** · 12-08-2010, 08:04 AM

not a 'pita',just use your axles and backing plates on the 3 channel rearend. common fix to a common problem,easy to accomplish. you're lucky it's not the other way around.

**Sommer86@6LE** · 12-08-2010, 09:56 AM

if you care at all, I've got a set of 3.23's if the 3.42's are more than you want.

**allbaugh_04** · 12-08-2010, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by oldmanZ28

not a 'pita',just use your axles and backing plates on the 3 channel rearend. common fix to a common problem,easy to accomplish. you're lucky it's not the other way around.

Well according to that thread, the ABS will not work, unless you drill a hole in the pumpkin to mount the sensor, unless I read that wrong.

Originally Posted by Sommer86@6LE

if you care at all, I've got a set of 3.23's if the 3.42's are more than you want.

I was hoping for 3.42s or 3.73s, I don't think 3.23s are much of an improvement over 2.73s, but thx for the offer.

**oldmanZ28** · 12-08-2010, 11:06 AM

you 'read' that thread incorrectly,putting/drilling a hole in the 'pumpkin' is for using a 4channel rearend in a 3channel vehicle.
3.23s' are a definite improvement over 2.73s',that's why GM offered the option of performance axle package(3.23s'). 3.23s' will increase torque to the tires by 18%,a definite improvement.I'm not advocating going to 3.23s' as 3.42s' and 3.73s' would be better,just stating that 3.23s' are a good performance ratio.

**Firebirdjones** · 12-08-2010, 12:21 PM

Swapping a 2.73 geared car over to a 3.42 geared rearend is a cheap way to go and in my opinion, the only way I'd do it if you want to stick with these 10 bolts. For me they aren't worth sticking money in, so a simple rearend swap makes more sense for a gear change like that. Otherwise ya may as well spend the dough on a 12 bolt or 9 inch.
Alot of guys with auto's have went the 6 speed rearend swap route to gain some gear. At the time they were plentifull to find and very cheap. Break it and stick another in. Funny now, all you guys looking for one. I threw 3 of them in the dumpster almost 3 years ago when I moved out here. I couldn't give the damn things away, literally.
If you find a 3.23 setup, it opens more possibilities and you might be better off. Since they were behind auto's they don't see the abuse. Plenty of 3.23's geared cars out there in the 11's by the way

**Firebirdjones** · 12-08-2010, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

Sounds like it's a pita just to get abs. I might wait for a 4 channel rear.

Originally Posted by oldmanZ28

not a 'pita',just use your axles and backing plates on the 3 channel rearend. common fix to a common problem,easy to accomplish. you're lucky it's not the other way around.

This is correct. Simply switch your axles and backing plates and you are ready to hit the road.

Just feel lucky you aren't dealing with a 9 inch, or a 12 bolt with 9 inch housing ends. On those you have to press the axle bearings off and back on to change the backing plates. Now that's a pita

**shady milkman** · 12-08-2010, 01:10 PM

imho i wouldnt even crack the case...10 bolts are sooo hit or miss it is stupid to take a working 10 bolt ..that you know the history of..and swap in a unknown ..that if in the case of a 3.42..was more than likely beat to shit..and if not..still very stressed and much more likely to be ready to let go than a 3.23....i am in the camp of not 1. buying new gears for a 10 bolt..2.not buying a used mystery 10 bolt 3. all of the above if i have a perfectly good 10 bolt already installed.....those high gearing might be the only thing saving your 10 bolt with your setup btw ...a $200 broken 10 bolt with 3.42s is still 200 down the drain

**allbaugh_04** · 12-08-2010, 01:32 PM

Well I got some thinking to do then. I'd think 3.42s would be a better upgrade, I'd just rather have a 4 channel and make no changes, if it breaks i can always swap my old one back in...quickly.

I might consider 3.23s, I think the 2.73s are hurting me though. I can't beat my roommate sometimes and I'd like to...Ryan if you are reading this

I'd like to beat him consistently and we have similar mods, but he has 3.73s and M/Ts...I got 2.73s and Nittos.