Gear Swap

[akcamaro02]

I'm thinking about doing a gear swap, I have 3.08s in my rear end now, and want to go up to 3.42s. How hard is this procudure? What exactly do I need? etc. Is it better off just paying someone? or not doing it at all?

[truekoa]

Re: Gear Swap

read end stuff is something you let a pro do, to be safe.

for gears, I believe 3.42 is still a 2 series carrier so you just need the actual gear for the swap.

might as well add a lsd unit while you're there. you can also use a rear end installation kit.

you can read more about it here http://mods.firebirdv6.com/drivetrain.html
select gears on the left side.

also take a look at this site
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...&vid=5&pcid=68
thats where i bought my items from when I upgraded my rear end.
you can choose from different carriers, gears, oil addictive, and it comes with rear end cover and studs to strengthen ur investment. the package doesn't include a lsd unit though, so you will have to buy one separately.

once your done with the hardware, remember you still need a tune to properly adjust your speedo to match your new speeds.

hope this helps.

[akcamaro02]

Re: Gear Swap

Yeah I know that it would need a 3 series carrier, but I read that you can put a gear spacer in to avoid the carrier change..but is there a write up on how to do just the actual gear and pinion swap?

[bigbrian442]

Re: Gear Swap

Yeah I know that it would need a 3 series carrier, but I read that you can put a gear spacer in to avoid the carrier change..but is there a write up on how to do just the actual gear and pinion swap?

Richmond sells one. Try searching youtube.

[Skinny]

Re: Gear Swap

I've never seen an actual spacer, but Strange, Richmond, and probably some other manufacturers make a thicker ring gear to use with a 2 series carrier.

[bigbrian442]

Re: Gear Swap

I've never seen an actual spacer, but Strange, Richmond, and probably some other manufacturers make a thicker ring gear to use with a 2 series carrier.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MGR-075050/


Motive makes one for the 7.5/7.625. But for the price you should just buy the gear set made to fit the 2 series carrier.

[akcamaro02]

Re: Gear Swap

well the highest gears for a 2 series are 3.08s, which is what i'm currently running stock..anything higher requires a 3 series carrier or a gear ring spacer.

[truekoa]

Re: Gear Swap

http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...&vid=5&pcid=67

there are some higher gear ratios that come with a two series carrier.

scroll down to pro street gears.

[bigbrian442]

Re: Gear Swap

well the highest gears for a 2 series are 3.08s, which is what i'm currently running stock..anything higher requires a 3 series carrier or a gear ring spacer.

Or a 3 series gear set made to fit a 2 series carrier. The spacer ring is made into the ring gear.

[bigbrian442]

Re: Gear Swap

http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...&vid=5&pcid=67

there are some higher gear ratios that come with a two series carrier.

scroll down to pro street gears.

you mean " lower" gear ratio's.

[enzia35]

Re: Gear Swap

Is it possible to do a gear swap on a car without LSD?

[bigbrian442]

Re: Gear Swap

Yes...

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Gear Swap

Is it possible to do a gear swap on a car without LSD?

Yes but why bother? Unless you are going to go to something like a 2:73 to improve gas milage on the highway, it is pointless. The lower gear ratio you go (3.42, 3.73, 3.90, 4.10, 4.56) the easier it is to spin the tires...you would never get the potential out of you're car if you didnt put the posi unit in...infact, you would probably be slower due to lack of traction.

[pace2006]

Re: Gear Swap

Yes but why bother? Unless you are going to go to something like a 2:73 to improve gas milage on the highway, it is pointless. The lower gear ratio you go (3.42, 3.73, 3.90, 4.10, 4.56) the easier it is to spin the tires...you would never get the potential out of you're car if you didnt put the posi unit in...infact, you would probably be slower due to lack of traction.

Agreed. My car is currently back in the shop having the 3.42/Torsen unit reset for proper backlash. But the brief time I did have it to drive after the initial install was no comparison to an open diff and 3.08 gears. Do it right the first time with a limited slip differential and some good gears. Don't forget to get the proper ABS reluctor ring if you do end up getting a series 3 differential.

[enzia35]

Re: Gear Swap

Alright, that's what I figured, just needed confirmation. Time to look for a rearend.