Got a Good Truck Mechanic Nearby?

I figured I'd seed this generic thread by asking if anyone is aware of a good, competent technician in Connecticut that can swap out the ring and pinion on my '99 Ford E-350. It's a Dana 60 with the 3.73LS final drive, I want to swap it to a 4.30:1.

The Ford dealer can do it, but they will not install aftermarket parts. Problem is, Ford only offers a 4.10 for this truck. Randy's Ring & Pinion (http://www.ringpinion.com/) offers a Yukon 4.30 and I've heard good things about their quality (although I understand it's a tad bit louder.)

I need an installer in CT that knows what they're doing and has the tools to do it right; I'll provide all the parts (bearings, seals, etc). Last thing I need is to have the rear end dropping out of the truck in the middle of Nowhere, PA...we "can" do this ourselves (http://www.ringpinion.com/downloads/yukoninstman.pdf), but it's a thankless, time-consuming job...

Feel free to hijack this thread for any other regional technician inquiries... - GA

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Originally posted by GregAmy@Dec 29 2005, 08:40 PM
I figured I'd seed this generic thread by asking if anyone is aware of a good, competent technician in Connecticut that can swap out the ring and pinion on my '99 Ford E-350. It's a Dana 60 with the 3.73LS final drive, I want to swap it to a 4.30:1.

The Ford dealer can do it, but they will not install aftermarket parts. Problem is, Ford only offers a 4.10 for this truck. Randy's Ring & Pinion (http://www.ringpinion.com/) offers a Yukon 4.30 and I've heard good things about their quality (although I understand it's a tad bit louder.)

I need an installer in CT that knows what they're doing and has the tools to do it right; I'll provide all the parts (bearings, seals, etc). Last thing I need is to have the rear end dropping out of the truck in the middle of Nowhere, PA...we "can" do this ourselves (http://www.ringpinion.com/downloads/yukoninstman.pdf), but it's a thankless, time-consuming job...

Feel free to hijack this thread for any other regional technician inquiries... - GA

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Try Kessler Engineeering in Wallingford, CT. Matt may not be able to help, but I'm sure he'd appreciate this shameless plug.

R

Matts good, but i doubt he'd touch Found On Road Dead stuff...;)

He's a jap man!

I have the same question, but less well researched, LOL.

My 1500 Sierra (2001) lacks LSD...whats the smart way to change that? What and where? $?

Thanks for the plug for Matt. We both agree it's something we CAN easily do, we just don't wanna. Setting up the gear lash and pinion depth is an art sometimes, and a guy that knows what he's doing is worth the expense.

Jake, call Randy's Ring and Pinion (http://www.ringpinion.com, 866-631-0196). I've had a lot of good feedback from other folks on their parts and service, and their pricing is very good. Plus, they're friendly and helpful folks on the phone.

Buy your stuff there and we can BOTH figure out who can install this stuff in CT (or, we have a party and do it ourselves...) - GA

"Found On Road Dead"! I always heard it was "Fix Or Repair Daily" :lol:

I use a dude in Stratford to set up my Mazda diff, then I pop it in the housing. I imagine he could handle the whole sheebang, come to think of it...

gotta check the records for his name...

Jake and Greg,
The guy in stratford is Don Sinto on Barnum ave. I've use him for years.
JW

Greg

I recently bought a diff and a R&P from Randy's and installed it in my Dodge Dakota. The price was great for a better unit than the factory unit but the aftermarket gears do make a bit of noise between 30 and 45 mph. Not bad but a harmonic whine on the coast side of the gear, under load it is fine. The aftermarket gear is a lot larger/stronger in build, but the down side is a bit of noise.

As for the install, ask around. I found a one of our office girls at the Audi dealer I work at, her husband works for a Dodge dealer and he does side work, installed the diff, R&P and all the bearings for $200.00.

Jon