i am going to do a gear swap in the next few months from my stock 2.73 to 3.42 gears. im a little confused about the different carriers though. my 2.73 gears are supposed to have a 2 series carrier from what i understand, right? all i have been seeing when i research is stuff about 3 series carriers. could someone please explain what the difference is between the two and what this means when i go to do this swap.

 

The ring gears in all the ratios are the same diameter; but, the ratio of the ring diameter to pinion diameter is the same as the gear ratio. Meaning, the pinion in a low number gear set, is MUCH larger diameter than the pinion in a high number gear set. Meaning, as the gear ratio goes down, the ring has to move farther and farther away from the pinion centerline, to make up for the larger pinion diameter. So eventually, as the ratio gets smaller and smaller, the ring gear becomes zero thickness; so at some convenient dividing point, they move the flange on the carrier that the ring gear mounts to, away from the pinion.

You have a 2 series carrier, to go along with your 2 series gears (in this model of rear, 3.08 or lower). To put a gear set with a ratio of 3.23 or higher, the ring has to be moved closer to the pinion; either by changing the carrier, or by using a ring gear spacer, or by using the "special" thick gears.

I suggest buying the right carrier; which of course lets you put a posi in there at the same time.

 

thanks, thats exactly what i wanted to know... i have a few other questions about this too. i have decided to go with an auburn differential and either summit brand or richmond gears. when i do this which installation kit will i need. the one for the gears, the one for the differential, both, or none? im really not sure here. also, i am aware that i have to get a new VSS for the gears i choose, but is there anything that has to be changed or reprogrammed in the computer when doing a gear swap in order to make everything work right?