Garage Storage Organization and Garage Cabinets

**Got a A520 question**

Hello, I just have a couple of weird Questions about the A520 Tranny. Do they have the four pinion differential like the A555? Also turbo and non turbo are both the same right? Did they improve over the years? (example 1987 to 88)

Thanks

09-06-2004, 03:45 PM

anyone?? I know someone out their has the awnsers

Turbo84Voyager · 09-06-2004, 09:21 PM

No they do not have the 4 pinion differential like the 555. As far as i know all A520's were the same strength for turbo or non turbo. There were also no major changes over the years. They are still tough transmissions.

Justin

09-06-2004, 10:05 PM

Thanks for the reply

09-07-2004, 02:10 AM

Man... Thank god i dont rely on that 2.2/2.5 Performance Book is says that the 87 and newer A520 and A525 tranny carry the 4 pinion diff (I allready knew the A525 never carried the 4 pinion diff what a joke!) Theirs a bunch of little mistakes in that book.

Ben Paquin · 09-07-2004, 09:08 AM

the A520 In my uncle's Daytona has the 4 pinion. I know from when we put the phantom grip in.

minimopar · 09-07-2004, 11:48 AM

Weird. All the A520s I have had apart were 2-pinion.

09-07-2004, 04:47 PM

Are the spider gears in the A520 commen for blowing out? I know the A525 trannies are, I think all the A525s are good for is a boat anchor!

minimopar · 09-07-2004, 04:54 PM

Well, they like to toss pinion shafts like any of the A525/A523/A413s. I don't know that the gears themselves are a weak point, but the gears and pinion will die quickly after a peg leg burnout or two! The 4-pinions aren't a whole lot better in that repect, really.

09-07-2004, 04:58 PM

Thanks for the quick reply!

09-08-2004, 01:40 AM

I just pulled the diff cover off my A520 and its a 2 pinion diff. I have a bit to much play in the diff though (side to side play) it moves like a 1/4 inch back and forth! I will need to press some new bearings in though. do you know what the preload is on the bearings?

Turbo84Voyager · 09-08-2004, 11:14 AM

While you have it apart, pull the differential apart and check it out. I didn't take any chances with mine, i threw a new shaft, side, and spider gears in mine, check the bearings too, the one had a little wear so i replaced them too. The parts were not that expensive. It was under 150 for everything including new differential to ring gear bolts and shims.

Justin

09-08-2004, 02:11 PM

My spiders and side gears are Perfect! My A520 was out of a high milage 88 TBI Sundance that wasnt drivin hard. Its got 3.50 gears, Theirs just a bit to much side to side play in the diff. I just bought new bearings and a shim pack, and the gauge to set it. What do i set the preload at?

Thanks