[satdiver1]

I just tore down my 1995 Chevy 10 bolt rear 250,000 miles on it. The locking differential was damaged with a stripped gear. The ring and pinion gear looks fine. I have had many opinions with some saying that I should replace the ring and pinion due to the many miles it has. Other opinions say that the ring and pinion are fine and probably better than new due to seasoning. I expect to go another 250,000 miles and want to go with the most reliable set-up. I have a new Eaton Diff. and have ordered a new install kit and also a new Youkon ring and pinion. The rear is a 373. What is the best way to go, all new or partially new?

[lmsport]

Its an educated guess. My only suggestion would be to run your finger along the face of the gears and see if you can detect pulled metal at the gear contact surface. Gears have a minimal heat treat to keep them ductile enough to survive, so once you wear through the heat treated outer layer, they wear very rapidly. Especially under significant load like trailer pulling or in a heavy vehicle.

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

It's going to cost about the same for labor. If you plan on keeping the vehicle a while. I would go new. Installed by a competent rear end specialist.

[satdiver1]

Thanks Guys,
I appreciate the input, I am going to replace everything. Especially since I tow and a suburban is a heavy vehicle to start with. i am getting gears and install kit from Biggearhead anyway. Yukon Gears, and timkin bearings. Also a new Eaton TruTrac.
Jeramiah