My car has the stock 2.73 gears in the rear, but it's a posi setup..with rear disc. Is it as simple as replacing the ring and pinion with a better ratio? IN other words can I just simply remove the old ring and pinion and put in a 3.73.

 

I have the same Question
(sorry to PneumaticTire in case you thought someone useful replied)

 

Yep, it's that simple, just note that the 2 series carrier need a 'special' thicker ring gear if you are not changing the center section. Richmond sells these... they usually run a little more expensive than the right fit.... Also that ratio rarely (if ever...) had posi so an upgrade might not be a bad idea. A cheap upgrade is a torsen limited slip from a 4th gen and add the 28 spline axles from a 90-92 cam/fbd. Since SLP no longer has takeoff torsens for $90 (Remember the good days) it may be harder to find... Or order an aftermarket posi as stock j-yard posis will most likely be shot. Just get a 3 series (3.27 up) and matching ring and pinion. I have many 3rd gen 28 spline axle sets to rid myself of ... ok no ads... but anyway it's the stongest (stock 7 5/8")you can get, and a 3.73 with an open diff isn't much use.

700R4 pics http://stinker.serveftp.net:8000

 

as stated above it just that simple, but you do ahve to take soem measurements and set it up correctly with tool you most likely don't have. do a search and you'll find lots of info.

 

A rear change involves knowledge and mechanical ability and reading your Post you have struck out. If you want new gears find someone who can do it and pay for it.

 

What is your problem dude? Because I may have a typing error or two in my post I am suddenly an idiot? I didn't know I was back in high school computer applications and being graded. Look at your post. Why did you feel the need to capitalize the "P" in the word post? Practice what you preach. Stay out of the thread if you can't contribute in a positve manner.

Oh and for the record, I am a ASE certified mechanic, and fix and diag cars everyday. It's just the simple fact that rebuilding, and changing out gears in rear ends isn't all that common, but I wouldn't expect you to know that.

 

Thats because you are a AH and it is a Post.

 

You are a funny guy. lol.

 

I suppose I should not be pointing out that...if you intend to use an indefinite article that precedes a word that starts with a vowel, you really should use "an" as opposed to "a." Since we are apparently splitting hairs here.

Anyhow, how would this swap be rated as far as difficulty? Could 1 not so car savvy and 1 former mechanic get it done in a few hours?

 

Takes about an hour to 1.5 hours, you MUST make sure that you shim the gears correctly otherwise they will either fail or whine really bad and fail.

 

That's not bad at all. Would it be worth the trouble? Would the difference be noticeable?

 

how do you define worth it and noticable? you'll spend more on tools than it'll cost you to farm it out. it isn't rocket science but alot of people can't or won't do it. if you did try it i suspect you'd spend 90 minutes Zepher refered to looking at instructions or the internet.

 

One aspect of gear swaps I don't like is the labor that shops charge for the work. A friend of mine just had his gears swapped and he paid almost $700 in parts and labor. Lets say the parts are $400 ($200 for gears and $200 for bearings, install kit, and fluid), I don' think $300 is fair for labor.

 

It helps to have the "right" tools. Get a rebuild kit, replace all the bearings. As far as setting it up, make sure the pinion is at the right depth, and use the right shims to move the ring side to side. Use lock tite on all the bolts holding the ring gear to the carrier. Torque them. Setting up a rear is nothing to rush, as you can spend a hour slapping parts togather, and have it make noise,or take a little bit longer and do it right. Just make sure you have a good pattern too with the marking compound. The spec on the pinion is 24-29 inch pounds of rotational torque.