A525 Questions / 1990 Omni

[90GLHCloner]

Do I need to stick to certain years / model L bodies when shopping for a replacement A525 to avoid any mods? Which models had 3.87 gears? Mine has unequal axle set up. Do I need to find another unit with the same setup for it to work?

[minigts]

Not sure about the gearing, but all 525s will bolt up the same, no need for modifications. I think they came in 3.87 and 3.56, but either one will work. The shaft that enters the extension housing will connect correctly with either gearing of the 525. Check to see what yours is and I would match it if possible, but if all you can find is a 525, grab it and go.

[22mopar]

again with another trans post?

I listed the cars that came with 525's and another guy agree'd.

you don't need to get a 525 from an l-body.

If I liked you I'd give you one FREE since I have 20+ of these things laying around. there are 4 possible diff ratios. 3.05 N/A omni's, 3.56 for turbo cars and larger N/A cars like a lancer, 3.87 Shelby N/A only and 3.85 Minivan only.

years for 525 L body 1983½-1990, All other cars 1984-1986 only

[90GLHCloner]

Thanks 22. If you lived close, maybe I could get one. I want 3.56, so that's good to know. Anybody see any red flags here? Are wear marks from the axle rubbing on the pinion shaft normal? The side gear is real sloppy. And since this is new territory for me, I would like to be able to know a problem when I see it if I end up getting another unit. I am an expert in neon sign fabrication, but not transmissions. I'll get a little further with it tomorrow.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/291765_2142158195383_1289047109_31896660_178211020 4_n.jpg

[minigts]

hehe Well the photo is blurry/pixelated enough it's hard to tell, but you won't know much unless you pull the diff case off and check the magnet to see if it's picked up any particles. When you pull the transmission (assuming you're going to get another one), pull the end cover off and see if you have any issues there. My issue, as stated in another post, was 5th gear. It was probably wearing down and right at the end it dropped about 10 teeth. The good news is, it was super easy to fix, but I was lucky it wasn't worse. I could tell it was really making noise in 5th, but in other gears the cog is still spinning so the noise was noticeable.

Sounds like you've checked a few things. Best bet is to get the spare 525 and have someone you know and trust check it out. One of the guys on this forum who lives near me just happened to be the transmission guy at a dealership, so he was more than gracious enough to rebuild mine for me for a very good price. So good, I think parts and food was all he got out of it, so I tend to be nice to him. :D

[Big_P]

It's REALLY hard to screw up a tranny when you're not putting any reasonable amount of power through it unless it was run low on oil. Are you sure you have a tranny issue?

[22mopar]

it is normal for the inner cv to rub the diff pin thats not a problem at all.

again since this is like your 4th or 5th post on the same subject, ARE YOU SURE this is where the noise is?

since you have the axles out, why not just take out the bearing housings? 6 bolts on the left and 4 on the right. no BFD you were told to do that on one of your other numerous posts.

[90GLHCloner]

No detectable wear on the differential. The throwout bearing has a broken tab. I think the vibration is coming from the A arm bushing or the ball joint. I can get things cleaned up and put back together now.