Some here say that series 3 gears can be put in a series 2 carrier. I remember reading that this parctice would leads to rear end failure due to the difference in gear sizes between the series. What is the story? Can the be interchanged? I have a 273 rearin my 82, so I have more than a passing interest.
TIA

 

No way!

 

they are not 'interchangeable'

but.....


richmond and other aftermarket gear makes make steeper gears (3.23 and above) for a 2 series carrier. you can also get a spacer ring to install 3 series gears on a 2 series carrier. this does not go the other way. you can NOT install 2 series gears on a 3 series carrier.

 

Dewey is correct, I took a 2 series rear because it had a posi unit in it and 3.08 gear, then took another 3.42 1 legger with disc brakes. Got a ring gear spacer from a company in Las Vegas and installed the 2 series posi into the 3 series rear end. Held up great-but my ring gear finally let go as can be seen in another post in this forum.