Well. . . I finally went and did it!

[Supercharged-ZQ8]

Yep, I'm getting rid of the stock 3.08 gears! I've toyed with the idea of 3.73s for a couple of years now, but have always said "nah -- traction is a problem now, and it'll just get worse with taller gears."

Well, I finally said "the hell with it" and pulled a Nike: "Just Do It" -- so I did it. My gears and the install kit should be here from Summit in a day or two.

So, the little white bastard just got faster! All the mods in my sig are soon to have a set of Richmond 3.73s! It's already got the factory locking diff, so no need to upgrade to a posi -- just need better gears, and they're on their way!

[extreme gmc]

congrats! let us know how the install goes...

[LEADFOOT]

Sounds good. I will be getting one of those soon.

[DROPPEDGMC]

congrats!!! can't go wrong with buying parts from summit:cool:

[Supercharged-ZQ8]

Anyone got any suggestions? I've never swapped gears on one of these S-Series. I've done a few of the older 12-bolts, but nothing post-1980. It can't be all that different, but I'd rather know ahead of time and save a few quarters in the swear jar.

Any ideas on whether shims are needed? How many, approximately? Adjustments, etc? This is a standard GM 10-bolt with factory locker that I'm dealing with. Should be straightforward, but any help is appreciated!

[Supercharged-ZQ8]

Of course, I need to stop BUYING parts for a little bit. . . I've still got the shocks and bushings I need to get installed -- those arrived last Thursday and I've been too busy to get to them just yet -- got plans to deal with them today and tomorrow. Now I've got the gears to deal with. . . Looks like I won't be seeing the wife for a little bit!

Now I just need to persuade her to let me get that Gaylord's Tonneau and carpeted bedliner (also Gaylord's) that I've had my eye on. I've almost got her convinced. . . After that are mirrors and a cowl hood! Heck, I've been talking it up so much lately that she MAY let me get all of them at once! Of course, the mirrors and hood will take a bit longer due to a friend that will be painting them for me.

[DROPPEDGMC]

they install all the same way. even in my 2000 10 bolt

[extreme gmc]

tristan, all i can say is that you will love the urethane arm bushings. i got them in along with hochkis (spelling) front sway bar and urethane bushings and i love it. so to recap everything bushing in my front end has been replaced with urethane and there is next to no body roll. i have not been able to push it yet cause of the snow we got last night:( but i will let you know when it starts to warm up...

[ZR1-S10]

Have fun with the new gears! Buy the way there shorter gears not taller like you said. As for traction, your'll just have to be light on the throttle off the line for a few feet then hit the gas hard. You should still get an overall inprovment.

[xtreme lowpro]

3.73's are the way to go. i have them in my xtreme and love them.

[Supercharged-ZQ8]

Have fun with the new gears! Buy the way there shorter gears not taller like you said. As for traction, your'll just have to be light on the throttle off the line for a few feet then hit the gas hard. You should still get an overall inprovment.
OOPS! Sorry, I can never get that quite right. . . Too many other terms and terminologies floating around in my head. . . But, the idea is there. . .

Makes me think I MAY be needing some form of traction control. ZR1-S10, how do you like the Slide-a-Links? If I remember correctly, I saw those in your mod list. I've been kind of steering away from traction bars in general (I've never liked traction bars -- for 1/4 mile ladder bars are the way to go, in my opinion), but the Slide-a-Links look like a slightly different animal. Do they distort lateral traction? Worthy investment?

Even now if I'm light on the loud pedal off the line and get moving and then tromp it I still get sideways. . . Going easy on it until about 10-15 mph and then hitting it still breaks the tires loose, so I'm needing some SERIOUS help in the traction department. If the Slide-a-Link help a little with axle-wrap, and serve to transfer more weight to the rear, then they ought to be worth a try.

[Supercharged-ZQ8]

Whoops! Never mind. . . I forgot that there were TWO people with almost the same screen name. . . Wrong one! One with the dash and one without. . . Sorry for the confusion!