what are the parts I will need for a complete rear-end gear switch.... i know the ring and pinion.. and i know you can buy the complete kit but is all that stuff in it nessesary? I am kinda on a budget here..
thanks Corey

Ps-what will i need to know about my car when picking gears

 

For just a ring and pinion change you need at least a new crush collar and pinion seal, and a tube of red loctite to re-use the pinion nut. You also need a pinion and differential bearing shim selection. Be sure to inspect the bearings to be sure they are ok. Obviously you need gear oil, silicone, and brake cleaner, etc.
To anyone reading this: I am not saying this is the proper way to do it, it's the bare minimum needed. If done right to a rear in good condition it will last.
If it were me I'd just get the complete install kit, but that's not the question being answered here.

 

ok i think i'll get the complete kit but what do i need to know to tell the dealer what gears i kneed. what do I have.. its completely stock 2. 73 rear gears 10 bolt pattern... is this a 7.5 diameter 10 bolt?? and is it 27 spline pinion is this what i am looking for?? i am lost help

 

You should have a 7 5/8 if it's an '89 ten bolt. Should be a 27 spline pinion, I think 7.5 and 7.625 (7 5/8) are interchangable.

 

Hmmm... this raises a new question I have. Do all 3rd gen rear ends have 27 spline pinions?

 

GM never changed the pinion spline count for the 7.5 and 7.625.

 

I wouldn't recommend anyone who hasn't changed gears before to do it without an experienced person that has. Gears are tricking and have to be set exactly right.

 

There is no difference between the so-called 7.5" and 7.625" ring gears or carriers. I don't understand where that supposed distinction came from. The same gears fit all of these rear ends in A, B, F, & G cars and S trucks from 78 to present.

Don't get that stuff at the dealer. That's the most expensive and difficult way to do it. Get the "gear kit" made by Ratech with the 300 series part number (308-K I think it is) from Summit or Jeg's or your local speed shop; it has both pinion bearings, both carrier bearings, crush sleeve, shims for both pinion and carrier, ring gear bolts, seal, gasket, pinion nut, and gear marking compound. The kit is about $100, which is about $40 less than the contents purchased separately, and it's better quality stuff than OEM.

If you're getting 3.23 or higher gears, you'll need one of 3 things: a different carrier (the best option), a ring gear spacer (yuck), or the special thick gears to put a 3-series gear on a 2-series carrier (double yuck). If your car has 28-spline axles (there's about a 50% chance it will) then get the SLP carrier for $99, it's by far the best deal going.