Stock G80 to Auburn Pro swap

[webby]

I have a stock G80 rear that seems to be slipping excessively. I also have the appropriate Auburn Pro Series unit still in the box. Is the swap something I should be able to do myself without special tools and/or skills? I found a non-posi to posi swap procedure on gnttype.org, but not a G80 to aftermarket unit procedure. I do have a connection at the Auburn Gear factory (as I live in Auburn, IN) that would install it for me, but certainly not for free.

TIA
-Webby

 

[6PacktoGo]

Originally posted by webby
I have a stock G80 rear that seems to be slipping excessively. I also have the appropriate Auburn Pro Series unit still in the box. Is the swap something I should be able to do myself without special tools and/or skills? I found a non-posi to posi swap procedure on gnttype.org, but not a G80 to aftermarket unit procedure. I do have a connection at the Auburn Gear factory (as I live in Auburn, IN) that would install it for me, but certainly not for free.

TIA
-Webby

Sell the Auburn and freshen up the stock posi. The stock unit is far superior. If I'm not convincing you, just send me your stock one when you replace it.

And no, you'll need special tools to do the swap correctly. And you need to check the current gear pattern before you disassembe, and make the pattern with the Auburn match EXACTLY. Another good reason to keep the stock one and just freshen it up.

 

[Carolinaturbot6]

Posted by Alan:
"The stock unit is far superior."


Why?

 

[GNVAIR]

The stock one is a very durable unit made for GM by Eaton. It uses clutches that are far nore durable and are easily serviced with a clutch pack kit from GM.
The Auburn is a cone style differential. The problem most guys have with the Auburns or any cone style diff is that once you let one tire spin and another grab, the damage is done. This is most common when doing the burnout in water at the track. Auburns are actually more expensive than a new Eaton and they are not serviceable which means, the unit is junk once you have slippage.
The only time you should replace a good stock Eaton is when upgrading to 30 spline axles and even still, you should put another Eaton in it unless you have a hard launching 9 second or faster car. Then its time for a spool.

 

[TurboDave]

There just aint no way you're going to be the stock unit, unless of course you're looking at running deep into the 9's....

I had my stock unit pulled out last year and inspected while I was getting a set of Moser axles installed. the guy that took it apart was amazed, said it still looked knew and needed no new clutches or steels. He did install a very very thin shim on each side to increase the pre load a little more, but that was it.

Oh BTW, that diff has over 160,000 miles on and is still serving me perfectly, and that car has been run at the track since the day I bought it in 86.

 

[Snorman]

FYI,
I know guys who have broken Auburns in 12-second Mustangs on DR's, and the 8.8" rears in these cars are known to be pretty durable.
A buddy of mine went through 3 Auburns (including one Pro) before he got wise and just did a Ford HD diff.
IMO, I wouldn't waste the $$$ on an Auburn, especially since they cannot be rebuilt once the let go.
S.

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Auburn Pro?

Guess I'm 1 who hasn't been bitten yet by the Pro diff!!
I have about 100 1.4 and 1.5 launches on it w/ Moser 28 spline axles.. Now starting to make a "bit of a noise" when turning.
Gonna see tomorrow!! It's a 15-20# launch and some 25# runs, all w/ a T400 and a brake!!!..
May be doing a 9" soon!!

 

[WarpSpeed]

Welp, IMO, the Auburn is superior to the stock unit, as far as functionality goes. My Limited has a G80 code, my GN has an Auburn(which was easy to install), and traction wise, the auburn is better in all driving situations, ie racing, or rain and snow.

 

[webby]

Warp, are you saying that I don't need special tools to do the swap (I just bought the car and the Auburn unit and bearings came with it)?

Also, say I went the route of replacing the clutches. What's involved in that? Who stocks the clutches?

TIA

 

[GNVAIR]

GM still has the clutches. I know ATR , Poston's and Kirban's also has them. You can install the clutches with the carrier in the car. Its not that difficult. The hardest thing is compressing the s spring. As I and several other people have stated, the stock unit is great and IMHO, a lot more durable than an Auburn. I have also withnessed many Mustang guys blowing up their Auburn pro's. The only reason why most of them used it was because it was one of the only differentials offered for them that allowed using 31 spline axles. If you currently have the stock Eaton in your car, I would highly recommend keeping it.

 

[WarpSpeed]

Yeap, pretty easy swap. A dial indicator would help for checking, but it should go in with original shims. You'll need a new set of ring gear bolts.