Chevy Rear End

[sugarcoated]

lf you put different gears in the back wouldnt i have to change the front?the pinion looks good but the ring has been eaten what causes this?and how much trouble to replace the pinion?woould a bad axel bearing allow the diff to move around?

[Diesel_Tech]

Originally Posted by sugarcoated

lf you put different gears in the back wouldnt i have to change the front?the pinion looks good but the ring has been eaten what causes this?and how much trouble to replace the pinion?woould a bad axel bearing allow the diff to move around?

Bad anything in the rear end can cause damage. Yes, your gear ratios must be the same front and rear, if they arent the wheels are spinning at different speeds, which the transfer case can not support this. There are specialty sports, where trucks use 2 different gear ratios front and rear (but the tire size compensates), but everyday drivers, no way. Gotta be the same.

Always replace your ring and pinon together. Most people do not, but if one is mauled, I would not use the other with a fresh mating surface.

[sugarcoated]

how bAD is it to replace the pinion?somethingabout havin to be shimmed properly?and dont you have to have a press to get the bearing on and off?

[2002shee]

It's not a bad job but you're right you need to press the bearing on the pinion shaft. You will need to check backlash and adjust with shims or else the rear will be sloopy or worse too tight and scream like a Banshee (pun intended and get that mind out of the gutter). Also the pinion is adjusted with a crush collar that once compressed cannot be reused.

[climb any hill]

We now have a Cars Forum, I moved the tread over.

[NELSON]

I ended up buying one for 300$ and replacing my old one. the brakes were different so i had to go to junkyard . then i screwed up the abs controller because there wasnt any fluid in the rear brakes. so i replaced the whole abs system also from junk yard. so a month later 400$ i am up and running. that is good considering firestone wanted 1200 for the brakes and 800 to repair the rearend. no problem if i ever have to do it again. i am now ready to haul some toys!