I am thinking about putting some 4.10's in my rear end. From what I hear, if I just use street tires my rear "should" hold up okay. It this true? Also, if my rear does go can I just put the stock gears back in or is it worse than that?

 

Yeah, it should hold up with street tires and your power level. As always, 5000rpm clutch dumps are a bad idea on our factory 10-bolts.

Usually, the thing that breaks is the ring gear, so in theory, yes, I think you could put your old gears back in.

I'd wait to hear from someone who's actually done it (put the old gears back in) before proceeding.

 

Like a lot of you guys I am big on doing things myself. I know that gears are supposed to be one of the harder things, but is it something that I should be able to do if I am mechanically inclined?

What all would be needed and what are the pro's and con's on different gears (i.e. stronger, quieter...etc)?

 

driving with clutch and gas pedal finesse is absolutley neccessary if the rearend is mostly stock. if you are going to keep the car then look into girdles and a new stronger carrier. putting gears in yourself is very possible. the first time is the hardest and requires a couple dedicated tools. so your investment might be high.if you are not going to do it again just pay a qualifed tech to do it. you will need a press,bearing splitter, dial indicator and base, basic hand tools,old baerings can be used to press agianst the new ones. do not use a hammer. smashing the crush sleeve is the toughest part. have 2 or 3 on hand.as far as gears go use any good name gears(not joe schmoes specials) get a complete install kit with carrier and pinion shims. most auto parts stores carry bearings in case you oops. napa or quality, not autozone. setting pinion depth and gear pattern are explained in the gearset but if you take your old pinion bearing and sand the inside to slide on the new pinion easily it will save the new bearing from getting pressed off and on until you get the depth close. as far as putting the old gears back in when something breaks you will need new bearings. 10 bolt carriers are common to break also. small hair line cracks around spider gear area. good luck