i would change the fluid around there to get any shavings out if any. better safe than sorry. as far as driving, you dont want to be too easy. drive normal. dont floor it, avoid sudden acceleration and i would stay under 65 untill you change that fluid.

if the shop says 300 without bearings, think again. bearings are a must.

 

Well $300 was only for labor, so I'm on the hunt for a shop that won't screw me in the wallet!

 

Well $300 for just labor is as good as it's going to get here. Now I have a question about bearing kits. In your professional opinions, what is a good brand, and do I want to buy the master kit?

 

I've always gone with a master kit, typically uses timkin bearings.

 

Where do you usually buy your kits at?

 

last time was from my local auto parts store because he's the little guy, not a napa or autozone with deep pockets.

before I've just gone with 4wheel parts.

 

Thanks Klitch, you've been extremely helpful.

 

I changed the gears in my 1969 SS 396 Chevelle back in the 70's from a 3.73 to 3.31 ratio. I bought used gears and changed them myself (1st time). I had been told by a mechanic that used gears will sing a little no matter how well they are set up and he recommended using new gears. When I finished, the gears did sing a little but not much. Many new rears make as much noise as it did. Back then, I only paid $25 for the used ring and pinion.

 

Why would you go from 3.73 to 3.31?

I've decided to go for a new set of 4.10's but find a good used LSD.

 

hmmm 69 chevelle, I would guess he wanted a lower cruise RPM.

the LSD will still benefit most from new clutch material, or at least a extra shim shoved in it to apply more friction.

 

Yes, that's right. With no overdrive and 14" wheels, the revs were too high cruising. I had 3.31 gears in my 65 327 Chevelle and they had seemed to be about right.

 

I can only imagine how high the engine would have been revving at 65 MPH with 3.73's, no OD, and 14's.

 

but prob sounds awesome doing it!

 

Those Chevelles were awesome in many ways. They weighed about 3600 lbs. and with that big block, they were so much fun to drive. My engine in my 69 wasn't in great shape so I was hesitant to push it so much, but earlier, my high school best friend had a 67 with the 350hp rated 396. He changed the cam to the 427 425hp cam with solid lifters and it would turn up 6600 rpm when wide open in 4th gear with a 3.55 rear gear, running about 155mph. Running 7"wide slicks (the only ones allowed in "stock" classes, it would turn 107mph in a quarter mile on the Kinston NC drag strip.

Let's don't talk about gas mileage!