can i get a 3 series gear in a 2 series carrier?

[mcfadyen72]

i bought a 2 series posi carrier (original chevy unit) because i got a great deal. i don't mind the 273's but would like a 342 or 373 gear in there.
1. can this be done and how?
2. does anyone make thicker gears so i can run a 342 or 373?

thanks

[mcfadyen72]

i just searched through the forums and found my answer.

another question though, why are spacers a bad idea, or are they a bad idea? my car is basically for street use and the occasional strip night.

[69LT1Nova]

Spacers break up the 'uniformity' of the mating surfaces between the carrier and the gear. The big thing you have to make sure of is that the spacer is SUPER flat and matches between the gear and the carrier perfectly. If it doesn't, then you're backlash will be FUBAR. Bad backlash = bye-bye gears.

[Skip Fix]

I high school I bought a posi unit pumpkin for my 409 Impala. Didn't know much back then ,especially about spacer plates. Jumped on it one day and ripped all the ring gear bolts out. Learned about "thick gears" real quick after that!

[mcfadyen72]

what are you saying? do you know who makes thick ring gears or are you saying spacers suck?

[jb442]

I think there are a lot of mfgs. who make 3-series gears for 2-series carriers. If you're still looking, try Richmond - I know they make 'em.
Here's an example for a 10-bolt:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=RMG%2D4900071&N=700+400137+115&autoview=sku

[skrivies]

10 bolts carriers will fit 3.08 & up for the Chevy 8.2 (1964-70), and 2.73 & up for the 8.5 (1970-81). You can run 3.42 or 3.73 on these cases.

Buick, Olds, Pontiac 8.2 is a different case altogether.

1964-1972 GM 12 bolt has two cases 3.73 & down, and 4.10 & up