Harrop cover installed

[Robofuzz]

Well - I bought a Harrop rear diff cover on the group purchase that we had a long time ago. I finally got around to installing it today. A very nice upgrade and stiffens up the rear suspension nicely. I also went with the Torco diff fluid and Type F friction modifier.

One suggestion when doing this - go to Autozone and buy the hand pump that screws onto the diff oil bottles. I wish I had bought it before I started instead of after I spilled new diff fluid all down my arm. But once I got the pump, it was cake filling up the diff. I almost had to take a bath in Dawn to get that diff fluid out of the hair of my right arm.

On the highway, the car does not "squat" as much as it used to when I downshift and punch it. The rear seems less "jouncy" and more connected to the car. Now I can really tell that I need to do the radius rod bushings.

[Lspwr]

What, no pics? lol. . I've been eying a Harrop for a while now. I bet it would make a ton of difference for my Procharged 04. How hard would you classify the install?

[Lancer-AM]

Yeah the RR bushing will make a huge difference. Markas70 just installed his and he is loving them. My car still remains a poster child for how much they help. Should have told me you were doing it, I would have been happy to help.

[tom's2005gto]

I bought a used one from a forum member, had to locate and buy new speed sensor brackets. But overall it turned out well. (older pics, prior to the mini tub and new rear suspension)

[Lspwr]

I gotta get me one now. lol.
If purchased new, do these usually come with everything needed to install? other than fluid and gasket of course.

[tom's2005gto]

buy new and you get everything needed. Use gasket sealer and Torco fluid.

[Lspwr]

Originally Posted by tom's2005gto

buy new and you get everything needed. Use gasket sealer and Torco fluid.

How hard is the install? You think I can manage that one without assistance?

[tom's2005gto]

piece of cake. not to mention it's a good reason to change the diff fluid.

[Lspwr]

Originally Posted by tom's2005gto

piece of cake. not to mention it's a good reason to change the diff fluid.

I like the smell of it . . . .

[tom's2005gto]

I have some leftover Kaaz fluid, it'll burn the hair out of your nose

[Robofuzz]

Originally Posted by Lspwr

What, no pics? lol. . I've been eying a Harrop for a while now. I bet it would make a ton of difference for my Procharged 04. How hard would you classify the install?

Yeah I know - I should have taken pictures. But I don't have a camera that I don't mind getting greasy and dirty.

[Robofuzz]

Originally Posted by Lancer-AM

Yeah the RR bushing will make a huge difference. Markas70 just installed his and he is loving them. My car still remains a poster child for how much they help. Should have told me you were doing it, I would have been happy to help.

I appreciate that. Maybe when I swap out the cam I can enlist your help! Yesterday I really needed a day of wrenching in the garage by myself. Plugged my iPod into the external speakers, turned on the box fan, and got down and dirty.

[Robofuzz]

Originally Posted by Lspwr

How hard is the install? You think I can manage that one without assistance?

It's really quite a simple install. The most time consuming thing (besides going to Autozone to get the fluid pump for the bottles and taking a bath in Dawn dishwashing liquid) was scraping off the old RTV sealer from the diff housing.

I have 4 scissor jacks (they are actually GM Goodwrench brand) that I bought at Walmart a few years back to level our camper when we're camping. These jacks have a flat lifting surface and a crank to crank them up and down. I used two scissor jacks to lift the rear of the car and one scissor jack to raise and lower the differential as needed. Make sure to chock the front wheels.

You need diff fluid, RTV sealer, Locktite for the bolts that mount the cover to the chassis, a means of jacking up the rear of the car, and a jack of some sort to support the differential and raise and lower it. The instructions make it sound more complicated than it really is. If I were to do another, I could probably do it in less than 2 hours.

If you're going to do this mod, I can't emphasize enough how much you should invest in one of these: http://www.oem-tools.com/products/show/25717
I got mine at Autozone and it was a little over $4.00. You just screw it on the diff fluid bottle and pump the fluid into the fill hole. Easy and clean.

[Lspwr]

Originally Posted by Robofuzz

It's really quite a simple install. The most time consuming thing (besides going to Autozone to get the fluid pump for the bottles and taking a bath in Dawn dishwashing liquid) was scraping off the old RTV sealer from the diff housing.

I have 4 scissor jacks (they are actually GM Goodwrench brand) that I bought at Walmart a few years back to level our camper when we're camping. These jacks have a flat lifting surface and a crank to crank them up and down. I used two scissor jacks to lift the rear of the car and one scissor jack to raise and lower the differential as needed. Make sure to chock the front wheels.

You need diff fluid, RTV sealer, Locktite for the bolts that mount the cover to the chassis, a means of jacking up the rear of the car, and a jack of some sort to support the differential and raise and lower it. The instructions make it sound more complicated than it really is. If I were to do another, I could probably do it in less than 2 hours.

If you're going to do this mod, I can't emphasize enough how much you should invest in one of these: http://www.oem-tools.com/products/show/25717
I got mine at Autozone and it was a little over $4.00. You just screw it on the diff fluid bottle and pump the fluid into the fill hole. Easy and clean.

Good to know it's not an all day project. I rarely have time to change my oil much less spend a day modding. I think I can set aside a few hours for this one though. I've been thinking about it for a while.

[Robofuzz]

Yeah it wasn't bad. Like I said, cleaning the old RTV sealant off the mating surface of the diff housing was the most time consuming step of the project.

[Poolshark1321]

I also wish I would of bought an AMSOIL hand pump when I ordered all my diff fluid, transmission fluid during my clutch install. I had to cut up a water bottle and it didnt work to well. Like you, I also had diff fluid down my arm, on my face etc...

[thekingntb]

Very nice Robo... I've always been debating on ordering one of these.. It's on the list.

[Poolshark1321]

That list is way too big isnt it??? Atleast mine is...

[thekingntb]

Originally Posted by Poolshark1321

That list is way too big isnt it??? Atleast mine is...

Well it use to. I had a long list that was probably $15,XXX-$20,XXX deep. Including built motor, blower, suspension, etc, etc, etc... I'm now more debating about selling the GTO for something new.

[Robofuzz]

Selling?? What??

[Poolshark1321]

Originally Posted by thekingntb

I'm now more debating about selling the GTO for something new.

NEVER!!!!!

Keep the car, and buy something else if you really want to...

[blown goat]

Can i ask you how much you paid for the cover and how many miles were on it when you got it? Also any concerns about cracks?

[Lancer-AM]

He bought it new through a group buy awhile back. I don't remember how much they were but they were pretty cheap.

[blown goat]

Originally Posted by Lancer-AM

He bought it new through a group buy awhile back. I don't remember how much they were but they were pretty cheap.

I'm needin' one. dont want to take it to the track until it's installed. I have the axles, single piece driveshaft and sub chassis supports, but I'm afraid I'll drop some parts on the track if I dont pay attention to my weak link.

[Lancer-AM]

For the most part you are covered with what you have installed. If a Harrop is a bit much for now you might look at some stiffer rear springs and a Diff instert, those upgrades will help out a lot and you will get a similar benefit.