changing gear ratios

[dirtracer]

I have a 1981 k10 4x4 and im wanting to change gear ratios.I put a new rear end in the truck and it has 3.08 gear ratio.The front has a 2.56 gear ratio,the front end has pretty much been rebuilt,new bearings,ball joints etc. so i dont want to get rid of it.Can i get a new ring and pinion gear{3.08} and swap it out with the 2.56 gear without having to replace the bearings and spider gears in the differential?I was told everything else is the same but wasnt sure.thx.

[roundedline]

the 2.56 and 3.08 will fit on the same carrier, but you are going to have to get a new crush sleeve.

I hope you aren't running it in 4x4 with mismatched gearing.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[dirtracer]

all the bearings are the same?what nad where is the crush sleeve in the differential?appreciate the help   thx

[roundedline]

Yes, everything is the same except for the ring gear and pinion.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[1976Scottsdale]

The crush sleeve goes on the pinion shaft and is used to set your pinion depth(how far into the ring gear the pinion teeth go.  This can only be used once and must then be replaced.  It is tightened to your needs and will "crush" accordingly.  Since you are adding a new Ring and pinion, then you will need a new crush sleeve to work with your new parts.

[VileZambonie]

The crush sleeve does not set your pinion depth. The purpose of the crush sleeve or collapsable spacer is to properly preload the pinion bearings and that's it.

Pinion depth is set by shimming either the pinion bearing or race in the housing.