Herm vs. Novak's D18 Rebuild Kits

Guys,

I'm looking for a D18 rebuld kit, and I noticed that Herm's got one listed with a Novak shaft for $100. Novak's rebuild kit is $159. Does anyone have an idea why the $59 difference?

I've emailed both Herm and Novak to get a complete parts list for both, I was just curious if anybody here had any feedback on either rebuild kit.

TIA,

Jon

 

i just got a dana 18 rebuild kit from herm. he sells his kit with a crown automotive intermeidiate shaft and for 20 bucks extra, you can upgrade to the novak shaft. he actually mistakenly sent me the crown shaft. when i notified him, he sent me the novak shaft and once it arrived, i was able to compare the 2 side by side. I'm very happy i spent the extra 20 for the novak shaft.

read this article for more info on the intermediate shaft differences....
http://www.jpmagazine.com/techarticles/31948/

 

I don't think so? The bearings are different? I just bought the Novak shaft rebuild kit from Herm for $100. I also bought a T86 rebuild kit and warn OD gasket set all at once. That was the main selling point for me. One order, one person, one shipping cost.


He included some NOS parts for my T-86 rebuild kit because nobody makes them any more. Try to find a T86 rebuild "kit" anywhere but from him.

 

Please lets us know of any other differences in the parts list.

 

Here's my response from Herm:

"
HI Jon,
My D-18 rebuild kits have;
1= all gaskets required
2= output shaft seals and gaskets and felts
3= shift rail seals
4= thrust washer
5= output shaft snap ring
6= lower tapered bearings and races
7= extension housing bearing
8= intermediate shaft thrust washers
9= intermediate shaft roler bearings
10 intermediate shaft 1 1/4"
The above kit is $80.00
If you want the Novak shaft for the 1 1.4" t/f case it
is an additional $20.00
"

That looks like everything I need! Right now I'm leaning toward toward Herm's kit with the Novak shaft. As far as I can tell the main selling point of the Novak kit was their mainshaft. If I can get it with Herm's kit and save $59, I'll do it.

Jon

 

Ok, here's the response from Novak.
"
Hi Jon

Gaskets, seals, all bearings, output shaft bushing, intermediate shaft, snap
rings, thrust washers, shims, detent balls, spacers, felts and the rebuild
guide.
"

Looks like Novak includes shims and detent balls, where Herm does not. I think that's hardly worth $59. Herm it is!

Jon