finally ordered gears.

The biggest problem I had was not having everything I need, tools wise. (inverse torx bit for ABS, 12 point 12 mm socket, bolt pulling tool for rounded over carrier shaft retaining bolt, rear brake compressing socket, etc, etc, etc) So I did lots of running around.

But the real problems were not too bad once I figured out how to work through them. I banged on the axel bearings for a long while till I pulled the seals out first. Then the bearings poped right out. Removing the carrier shaft retaining bolt took a run to Sears. The red threadlock on it really worked. So I rounded over the head trying to get it out. And lastly, getting the passenger side brake caliper compressed enought to reinstall took the tool/socket. So all in all, pretty minor stuff.

A few things hit me going through that might help others trying their own install.

First, I did the job on two days, one the first weekend, the second the following weekend. This gave me plenty of time to take the carrier and pinion into a shop to pull and press the bearings ($35).

Loosening the pinion nut is often complained about, but I got the breaker bar loaded up and braced the flange, then I put a jack under the end of the breaker bar. About an inch of lifting under the jack and the nut came off real easy.

Another issue that may be over done in some of the walk throughs is installing the ring gear on the carrier. I simply lowered it on as far as it would go, without forcing it, then tightened it on the rest of the way with the old carrier nuts. This way I didnt have to worry about heating it up, possibly getting burned, and somehow dry the thing before lowering.