[Bad66]

Ok, so my knowledge of rearends is 10/100, meaning I know they have wheels and gears. I have NO idea what goes on in that housing. My buddy just had a shop change his gears from a 2.41 to a 3.73, and paid $1100 out the door. I get that, the higher the gear, the better the acceleration, the lower the top end speed. I just can't see spending 1k, I think I can do this and save some money.

here's where I'm lost. How does all that stuff go together? Is changing out your gears something you can do in your garage? How do I get both wheels to spin (1 legged dog here)? What is the difference between a differential and a spool, if there is even a difference. Kepp in mind, I'm talking muscle cars here, not big trucks or 4x4's. Any links, info pics would help. Oh and I'm talking a gm rearend.

[matts37chev]

something like this book would be a good start for you.

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by Bad66

Ok, so my knowledge of rearends is 10/100, meaning I know they have wheels and gears. I have NO idea what goes on in that housing. My buddy just had a shop change his gears from a 2.41 to a 3.73, and paid $1100 out the door. I get that, the higher the gear, the better the acceleration, the lower the top end speed. I just can't see spending 1k, I think I can do this and save some money.

here's where I'm lost. How does all that stuff go together? Is changing out your gears something you can do in your garage? How do I get both wheels to spin (1 legged dog here)? What is the difference between a differential and a spool, if there is even a difference. Kepp in mind, I'm talking muscle cars here, not big trucks or 4x4's. Any links, info pics would help. Oh and I'm talking a gm rearend.

Spools are ONLY for off road. They are a hazard when driven on wet roads and are not used on a street-driven vehicle.

There are several types of limited slip differentials offered by the aftermarket and the OEM's. Choosing one will depend on a number of things.

Go HERE and check out the Technical Help at the top of the page, etc. for more info.

[kuta1972]

i just changed my carrier and spider gears.it was pretty easy just mark and label things as you pull them out so you know were they go back.make sure you dont mix up the shims.have a read up on setting back lash.

[Bad66]

cool, thanks for the info and links, and the heads up on the spool.