Originally Posted by
Alien
I think the powertrax can be installed without removing the ring gear since you are reusing the carrier. Tho I *think* it MUST use an open diff carrier. If you have the T2 that was stock in the LS1 cars, I believe you'll have to replace the carrier (from a V6?) and that may be why it's not listed in that link. Pretty sure you'd use the 10-bolt 7.625" 28 spline one, 92-0776-2805 or 92-0776-2885
Not sure I can figure out what is needed to use the Powertrax, I've never even opened up a diff before. However I just got a $625 labor quote from Late Model Racecraft (where we had the dyno day) and so I think I will learn!
With any diff swap, I don't see why you'd have to remove the pinion gear. I've done it by just swapping over the ring gear to the new carrier (LEFT HAND THREADS!) and checking the backlash/pattern. Have never needed to shim anything so far since I've always reused the gears in the rearend, YMMV. If you're installing new gears, it's a whole 'nuther story.
No new gears, I guess I'll buy a magnetic base dial indicator to make sure that I don't need to re-shim. New tools are always good.