[Warrant]

I want to swap a posi and 3.73 gears into my 72 nova with a 8.5" 10 bolt. I already have the posi and it came out of a '75 malibu which had 2.73 gears on it so the flange is the correct thickness. I am looking for a set of gears and a installation kit and don't want spend over 200 for both, Any suggestions their?

But the main point of this post is can I do this at home? I know their is alot of precise measurements to be done with special tools, - can they be swapped with the axle still in the car and right in the driveway? and if so what special tools are needed and anyone know good instructions to do so.

If not, what does it run to have someone else do it like a shop

Thanks

[larryblack]

Absolutely YES. You need a pinion depth setting tool, micrometer or caliper to check shim packs and an inch pound torque wrench.

The installation kit runs 100 to 150 and you do not want to reuse bearings and crush sleeves.

You will need to look for used gears. New ones start about 150 and up.

Check out summit and jeg's for pricing. Jeg's brand gear sets come with good installation instructions.

[onovakind67]

If you're around some boneyards, a good place to look for low-mileage 8.5" 3.xx gears is in the front axle of many 80's GM 4x4 trucks, I've gotten a couple sets this way.

[sha_ba_do_bang]

you do need some special tools, however you DON'T need a pinion depth tool.

You DO need:
dial type inch lb torque wrench
a hydraulic press
bearing splitter
big hammer
big breaker bar
big sockets
regular foot lb torque wrench
dial indicator
micrometer

here is one of the best writeups i have seen on the web, covers just about everything i learned(i have done at least 50 rear builds)

http://www.pirate4x4.com/articles/te...sta/Gear_Setup

Brendan

[Warrant]

Well I have or have access to all the tools. Thanks for that link _bang, I see that it is for a Dana 60, but I would guess the process and parts should be similar for a 10 bolt?

I was thinking of using this kit http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

with these gears(3.73) http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

And reusing my bearings and w/e else is left over, this needs to be done on a budget and in as little time as possible. After all the axle has never been opened up and it only has 50000 miles on it...ok?

[larryblack]

Just double check the bearings and mark left and right carrier bearings and races. Otherwise they will self destruct.

[sha_ba_do_bang]

yea, mark the bearings and races if your reusing, just make sure they are good to go, and you might get yourself in trouble being on a budget and going "fast"

Just take your time and make sure everything goes back where it came from excactly, a common mistake is not marking the carrier bearing caps, make sure you mark them and put the back in the same orientation,(they aren't symetrical)

And that GM 10 bolt is very similar to the Dana 60

Brendan