TexasBlownV8
Formerly TexasBlownV6
That big pinion race is a PITA; but I always change when using a different pinion bearing. The smaller one, easier to get to, but it can be a challenge as well.
That's not to say I wouldn't re-use one (and I have, on my car only, when re-using recently-new bearings with a different set of gears).
I think what you're asking is, if you use new races AND you have two sets of gears and might want to change from one set to another, you want to be able to leave the same races in place and have the pinion bearings on two separate pinions already pressed on, with both also using the same-thickness shims, so you don't have to hassle with pressing them on again. Will you really be changing gears that often??? If you do or were, I'd just get another rear end and swap the whole damn thing instead, with the gear set you want! But, yeah, despite the work involved with changing out a set, re-adjusting backlash, using a new pinion nut and maybe pinion seal, etc., etc., just seems like a lot to switch gear sizes.
(Some of us have just tried them, and changed them at some point if not liked, so you're not alone in that regard, but being able to switch from one to the other is a bit extreme...in my opinion, which don't count fer much!)
That's not to say I wouldn't re-use one (and I have, on my car only, when re-using recently-new bearings with a different set of gears).
I think what you're asking is, if you use new races AND you have two sets of gears and might want to change from one set to another, you want to be able to leave the same races in place and have the pinion bearings on two separate pinions already pressed on, with both also using the same-thickness shims, so you don't have to hassle with pressing them on again. Will you really be changing gears that often??? If you do or were, I'd just get another rear end and swap the whole damn thing instead, with the gear set you want! But, yeah, despite the work involved with changing out a set, re-adjusting backlash, using a new pinion nut and maybe pinion seal, etc., etc., just seems like a lot to switch gear sizes.
(Some of us have just tried them, and changed them at some point if not liked, so you're not alone in that regard, but being able to switch from one to the other is a bit extreme...in my opinion, which don't count fer much!)
