I definitely don't plan on doing this myself, I'll be going to a shop to have it done. I'm sure the bearings and shims would be something they would bring up anyway, but I just want to make sure I'm educated enough to know what to expect or get!!!!

 

Im in the same boat as you dutchess. I dont know much aboutthe rear axle. Is it absolutely necessary to have the shim and bearing kit? Can I was the existing stuff on the rear axle. Remember.....im new to this.

 

Hello chavalo_nm1,
I just did todaya swap of my 7.5 to a 8.8................the 8.8 was a take off rear end, no miles on it, very little at that, I purchased just shim kit..........which does not include bearings, seeming the take off rear end had no miles. Removing the bearings they got teakedabitand had to purchase new bearings anyway, you need the full installation kit with bearings, as shown on the example of the link on e-bay.......mustangman02232 recommended the kit from Motive which isgreat.....................

I am breaking in the new gears.............373's seem awesome to me.......for my taste on the V6, 410's would have been a little much for long road trips..................just my opinion, I prefer Brunettes over Blondes.......just my opinion again!!!

Cheers!!