Here's a couple pictures of the gears themselves. They seem to be in good shape except for the bottom blowing out.

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...7902E1C295.jpg

http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/...7905D5C8F2.jpg

I think my bud is going to order a brand new upper with a one year warranty older style XR with the good gears from Coast Mar Exp (screen name) from the boards . That was a mouth full . Good price good guy . You must install a larger gimbel bearing with this upper due to larger drive shaft u-joints . You can contact him at [email protected] . He's from Boynton Beach , Fla . which is pretty close to you . He has them in stock !! Good luck brother .

Thanks for the info. Are the older xr's better? I see the new ones are swept back?

E-mail him for his phone # . Yes they have the better gears . The sweptback case was only for looks . He will give you the complete lowdown on these drives and give you a price for an upper that will put a smile back on your face !! Don't forget to tell him you are OSO .

Thanks