Before I Buy 99 to 02 TA Questions

[Bugster455]

Originally Posted by quicksilver97ta

Look for cracks at the top of the door panels. The later 4th gens are really bad about that. Door window motors are notorious for going out as well so be sure to test those. If they are slow going up just plan on replacing them and work that in the deal. Headlight motor gears are not un-common to fail. Also, sail panel speakers fail frequently. Other than that, just be leary of a car that might have been modded, then de-modded for sale. Be sure to get on the highway and listen for rear end whine.

What causes rear end whine in a stock unmodded '02 and is there a fix short of replacing the factory rear end? Thanks! Jim

[quicksilver97ta]

Originally Posted by Bugster455

What causes rear end whine in a stock unmodded '02 and is there a fix short of replacing the factory rear end? Thanks! Jim

They are 7.5 units as opposed to a typical 8.5 10 bolt. Smaller weaker parts. And to add insult to injury the torque arm can flex the housing under load and then parts start to move around. It's just a light duty unit originally intended for low po applications. They were common in 4 cyl S10's and you can snag a set of gm 4.10 gears for cheap if you're looking. A solid pinion spacer and a cast aluminum cover with the carrier cap supports will help. HPP did a write up on how to build one a little stouter. Stick cars have a much higher kill rate than autos.

[Bugster455]

Originally Posted by quicksilver97ta

They are 7.5 units as opposed to a typical 8.5 10 bolt. Smaller weaker parts. And to add insult to injury the torque arm can flex the housing under load and then parts start to move around. It's just a light duty unit originally intended for low po applications. They were common in 4 cyl S10's and you can snag a set of gm 4.10 gears for cheap if you're looking. A solid pinion spacer and a cast aluminum cover with the carrier cap supports will help. HPP did a write up on how to build one a little stouter. Stick cars have a much higher kill rate than autos.

Thanks quicksilver97ta. Can you give me a start/source to purchase the pinion spacer and aluminum cover? Also, what issue of HPP had the article if you get a chance to look? Thanks again! Jim

[quicksilver97ta]

I would just go to summit or jets and look up the spacer by application. For the article, its been a couple of years at least so its not a recent issue. Hpp has a web site though and I would start there.

[S Courter]

I have a couple elderly Pontiacs also and had the same idea, last fall, about looking for a more modern fun car. I ended up buying a very clean 98 Trans Am auto in Silver. I (we, wife drives it too) love the car! It looks good, runs good, sounds good and has a/c and cruise that the older cars don't have and its fun to drive. It rides somewhat stiff but what the heck its not a Cadillac. Everything worked when I bought it except the a/c needed a recharge. Good luck with your search.

[Father&Son73T/A]

Originally Posted by muscle_collector

how many of you have had the window motors quit, the headlight motors quit and one side of the brake lights to quit????? dont forget about the great fitting convertible tops. wow dont get me going on these turds. BUT they are great looking and driving cars.

I have a 60k mile non WS6 99 TA, and it is a great car.
I have had the rear end replaced at 30k and the a/c compressor go out.
Also had one power window mtr out too.
That said,IT IS ONE THE BEST CARS I HAVE EVER OWNED!
Now you may have bought lemons sir,but the rest of us who own them love them.
I have owned many a muscle car too,maybe not as many as you,but they all have problems.........I have probably about 150-200k spent between purchasing and repairs done to all of the older GM muscle cars I have owned.
I can go out to my garage right now take my 4th gen off the battery tender,blast some UFO lights Out while smokin the hides to 159mph,get high 20's mpg hwy,and park it and do the same tommorow.I bought it with 16k miles for 16k in 03.
Cant do that with too many other GM built cars now can ya?