i need to know what i need to do to swap carriers....as far as gears go the only thing (i beleive) that will be touched is the ring gear to go from the old to new carrier... if all that is being replaced is the carrirer do i HAVE to or should redo everything (shims, spacing, and what not) or is it a direct swap...what tools do i need to check everything....

i don't know if it matters but the rear will be out of the car while i'll be doing this....and dealing with the rear end is new to me so be kind

You should redo the spacing. Start out with the setup from the original carrier but it might be different so be ready for that. You will probably need to pick up something to show you the correct wear pattern and a good marking compound for the ring gear and this will help you shim the new carrier also. Take your time is probably the best advice you can get.

you'd need to swap the ring gear over and install the carrier. then set back lash to around .008. you might want to check back lash before you remove the original carrier and replicate that number. you may have to change the shim arrangement but not the total shim thickness. i wouldn't worry too much about checking the contact pattern.

what's the tool i need to check the back lash.....r there any how-to's anywhere to help me???

you need a dial indicator with a magnetic base! You can get them out of jeg's or summit but they are pricey.