i have a new carrier for my rear end. i want to swap from the unit in the rear right now. if i am using the same ring gear and only changing the actual carrier, do i need to worry about the back lash and contact pattern changing when i swap the parts? or should they line up correctly because i haven't really changed any of the clearances?
...am i going to have to go someplace and have this thing set back up again as if i did a gear change?


thanks!!!

 

you need same series and axle spline count, but you already know that. you need to check back lash and contact pattern. they won't line up "correct" because you have changed clearances. you may have to change carrier shims to get correct back lash.

 

thanks ede. i wasnt sure if the shimming was done on the carrier side or the pinion gear side.

 

shimming is done on both

but since you are retaining the same pinion gear, you don't need to reshim it, as its mounting depth is unchanged. so all you need to do is check your backlash and contact pattern to make sure you carrier is centered (side to side). you are lucky, the pinion gear shims is under the bearings, so it has to be pressed off and on everytime you go to change that shim