Ring & Pinion Swap--How hard is it?

[Nathan in MI]

Well, I've had about enough of this 2.73 rear end stuff, so I want to put in either 3.27s or 3.55s (haven't totally decided yet, but I'm leaning towards 3.55s) this summer. From what I've read, it looks like rebuilding the trak-lok unit shouldn't be too hard, but I'm worried about getting the pinion depth and ring gear backlash set right as well as getting the pinion nut loose and getting the fill plug loose (I'm sure it hasn't moved in 158,000 miles). For those of you who've done it, how difficult is it? I'm not about to pay someone else to do it, but I'm worried about being able to do it myself.

Thanks a lot, guys.

--Nathan

[BobThePlumber]

go to speedway racing they have a set up kit so you can set the depths correct,shit they probably have the gears cheap as well

[Nathan in MI]

They have a website?

[Blaze86Vic]

https://www.speedwaymotors.com

[88grandmarq]

swapping ring & pinion is not too hard... about 95% of the time you can re-use the stock pinion shim and depth will be correct. you will need an impact gun to get the pinion nut loose and need a special bar to hold the pinion flange while you tighten the pinion nut. setting the pinion pre-load is critical, you want 25 ft lbs of drag.

I would recommend Ford gears only. used is ok, but they tend to make some noise sometimes.