I have a 1984 Z28. This past summer I brought it back from the dead, mechanically speaking, and am now ready to tackle the rear end.

It is a 10 bolt, 7.5" dia (I believe) ring gear, with 26 spline axles. I would like to upgrade to at least 28 spline axles and put in a new locking limited slip carrier assembly as well.

My questions:

1) Can I have a 7.625" dia. ring gear installed in the 7.5" housing?

1A) What about the new carrier assembly?

2) I read about a Curry 9 inch "direct bolt-in" replacement in the likes of Jegs and Summit. Any real advantage to using something lke this vs. just changing the guts and axles with new parts?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.