Gears Can i pull it off
 

I want to do 4.30's in the car. I was wondering how hard is it to install the gears. How much time am i looking at? Are there any special tools i need? So far i have done everything on my car its just me and drive train i am not to smart with. I think i can pull of the gear swap but i just was wondering if there is anything i need to know. Also is there a site with step by step or somthing near step by step directions. My gears are killing my power. The cam pulls really hard upper rpms but off the line is killing me

later

I have never done a gear swap, but from what I've read here, unless you are a seasoned machanic, it is a sonofa***** job. Someone might have a different opinon, but that seems to be the general consensus.

Caymon

I did my own, and got lucky that the factory shims where right, I think thats like winning the lottery. If your not sure, and don't want to do it twice, then pay to get it done, but you could probaly screw up twice and still be cheaper, and then you would know how.

It's really easy to do. I promise. There is a site called Randy's Driveline and he has all kinds of tech articles on this stuff. You will need a means to put about 250 pounds of torque on the pinion nut. A good impact will help with this but you can use a torque wrench if you have a big'un. You'll need a dial indicator and a stand, harbor freight has these for about 20 bucks total investment. Most of the time, if you're just changing the gears, you can re-use the shims. Some gears are thicker than standard and the 4:30's may be, so you'll probably need a shim kit for the carrier. My first one took me about 4 hours, start to finish. Last week I changed out the differential on the 89 in 2 hours.
One thing and you'll see what I mean later, put the carrier shims in place with some grease BEFORE you try to push in the carrier.

hmm i think i may give it a shot

whats the worse that can happen i have to start all over again?