Cast Iron Differential - Need Help

[H32NV]

Hello All,

Some have heard that I blew up another aluminum diff a few weeks ago. My truck is currently in the shop at Tyrell Marxen in Flagstaff. I took it in there to see if they would warranty the diff, and possibly give me the same option as some of the forum members have had(Neo, beebs, maybe dave?). I'm interested in upgrading to the cast iron front diff and dont want another ticking time bomb. It sounded like at first my service rep was on-board with the plan for me to either buy a cast iron case outright, or to provide one if I could find one. Ive been looking at one that is over in CA, and think it will work, however I got a phone call this morning with some bad news.

The service manager says he doesnt know how to go through with the paperwork to have a case-iron diff put in. He says that his hands are tied when it comes to warranty repairs, and that he has to install what originally came with the truck in order for GM to reimburse him for the parts. Ive said that I'd pay the difference for a cast iron case, or just buy one myself and bring it in, but this still doesn't help him.

I think what he needs is a roadmap of how to put the paperwork through. Does anyone still have contact info for their reps at Seiner or another Hummer dealer that can help with this?

 

[erdlen65]

I would ask Nike from Tustin ... I've never had to ask him anything but this seems like something he could help with

 

[H32NV]

Mike or Nike? just wanted to be sure. do you have his contact info or should I look it up?

thanks,

Rob

 

[Zach]

Sent you a pm on it

 

[06 H3]

Zach would be the guy to help out on this one...I plan on going through him when I do the upgrade.

 

[erdlen65]

Sorry Mike* damn auto correct or my fingers are to fat for an iPhone lol

 

[bebe]

Hello All,

Some have heard that I blew up another aluminum diff a few weeks ago. My truck is currently in the shop at Tyrell Marxen in Flagstaff. I took it in there to see if they would warranty the diff, and possibly give me the same option as some of the forum members have had(Neo, beebs, maybe dave?). I'm interested in upgrading to the cast iron front diff and dont want another ticking time bomb. It sounded like at first my service rep was on-board with the plan for me to either buy a cast iron case outright, or to provide one if I could find one. Ive been looking at one that is over in CA, and think it will work, however I got a phone call this morning with some bad news.

The service manager says he doesnt know how to go through with the paperwork to have a case-iron diff put in. He says that his hands are tied when it comes to warranty repairs, and that he has to install what originally came with the truck in order for GM to reimburse him for the parts. Ive said that I'd pay the difference for a cast iron case, or just buy one myself and bring it in, but this still doesn't help him.

I think what he needs is a roadmap of how to put the paperwork through. Does anyone still have contact info for their reps at Seiner or another Hummer dealer that can help with this?

Call my service rep - Nick McKnight, he's done it before and the Shop Foreman (Miles) who did it for Sewie still works there. They are no longer a Hummer Dealership, but may know the in's and out's of the process.

 

[08H3]

All I can really add is that it can be done. My Aluminum diff exploded and I had the case upgraded to CI during the warranty work. I paid about $100 for the MSRP difference on it. Unfortunately, the dealership that did that work, basically had an internal meltdown and I'm really not on speaking terms with anyone there at this point. Even if I were, I'm not even sure who I would ask.

BTW: As I currently sit here, I would say this is a recommended upgrade. My truck is presently in the shop for a destroyed transfer case, so I guess at least with CI, the diff is no longer the weak link!

 

[atvspeed4]

All I can really add is that it can be done. My Aluminum diff exploded and I had the case upgraded to CI during the warranty work. I paid about $100 for the MSRP difference on it. Unfortunately, the dealership that did that work, basically had an internal meltdown and I'm really not on speaking terms with anyone there at this point. Even if I were, I'm not even sure who I would ask.

BTW: As I currently sit here, I would say this is a recommended upgrade. My truck is presently in the shop for a destroyed transfer case, so I guess at least with CI, the diff is no longer the weak link!

You wouldnt by chance live in mass would you? Just went to a transmission shop in town to get an estimate for my h3's clutch to be replaced and they said that they just had an h3 come in with a trashed transfercase

 

[08H3]

You wouldnt by chance live in mass would you? Just went to a transmission shop in town to get an estimate for my h3's clutch to be replaced and they said that they just had an h3 come in with a trashed transfercase

Nope...Indiana.

 

[H32NV]

beebs, i just tried that number and it didnt work, they dont have a "nick" at that place that works in service. However in your first post, i was able to get a hold of Nick, and he said he would call my dealer in Flag and give them some instructions on how to go about doing it. Very nice guy, but I just wanted to call back and thank him.

-Rob

 

[bebe]

So they are the same Nick...which number was correct -1710 or 1709...it's on speed dial in my cell so I never dial it, I just hit "Nick" lol.

 

[H32NV]

-1710. got a hold of him. Pretty great service. id consider driving my truck out and flying back if Flagstaff cant figure it out.

 

[bebe]

He didn't make fun of me, did he?? LOL Bebe who???

 

[H32NV]

no not at all! But I'm bout ready to be done with the BS and just drop the truck off with someone who knows! I think these guys in flagstaff just run a standard small GM shop, nothing against them, theyve been great as far as effort, but they just havent ever faced this issue, and dont seem to have the time or the road map to get the information themselves..

 

[bebe]

So - how's it going Rob?

 

[4speedfunk]

If all else fails and you get tired of screwin with the warranty...I got a nice used 4.56-geared aluminum unit ready to go. I can ship it out there, and all you'll have to do is bolt it in and fill it with fluid. True...its not cast iron and not a locker...but it might buy you some time and get you back on the ground. $600 shipped. Takes 1-1/2 hours to swap one with basic hand tools.

Unless you got a warranty repair...forget trying to repair or build an AAM-7. You can find used ones (whether its mine or somebody elses) all over the place for far less money. Keep your eyes peeled and you can even find CI/Locker versions for under $800.

 

[H32NV]

I'm still having problems with getting the dealership in Flagstaff to figure out the right parts to order. apparently they have figured out the paperwork, but the dealership in california doesnt remember the parts needed to complete the upgrade.... Know anyone that can shine some light to get the ball rolling on my truck? theyve had it a month... getting antsy! Tyrell-Marxen Chevrolet in Flagstaff is where its at.

 

[H32NV]

If all else fails and you get tired of screwin with the warranty...I got a nice used 4.56-geared aluminum unit ready to go. I can ship it out there, and all you'll have to do is bolt it in and fill it with fluid. True...its not cast iron and not a locker...but it might buy you some time and get you back on the ground. $600 shipped. Takes 1-1/2 hours to swap one with basic hand tools.

Unless you got a warranty repair...forget trying to repair or build an AAM-7. You can find used ones (whether its mine or somebody elses) all over the place for far less money. Keep your eyes peeled and you can even find CI/Locker versions for under $800.

So far it looks like they are going to warranty it, and im goin for the CI Tired of them breaking.

 

[H32NV]

Sounds like they have it sorted out, just got off the phone with them.

Rad.

Thanks everyone!

 

[bebe]

Yay!!!

Guess who we ran into at the Metal shop when we went to pick up some aluminum for the 1/2 doors?

Miles....lol

 

[H32NV]

tell him to help meeeee

 

[bebe]

Wait - I thought you were cool? You said you have it sorted out....?

 

[bebe]

Actually, have them call me - I can hep them with the parts list.

 

[H32NV]

I think they are finally straight. say itll cost me between $400-600 for the upgrade. and it sounds like they have parts coming. Lets pray that there isnt any more issues....