rear-end gears

I'm looking to get some 3.73's for my 94 GT but I wanna know if there is some way of avoiding the high cost of labor for a professional to install them. Is there some way to save cost in having them installed? Maybe something like a complete rear-end swap. I also heard that the 9" rear-ends are very simple to swap gears something like only 2 bolts. Easy enough to change gears at the strip. Any insight? Oh, and what's the average cost to have them installed? Isn't it something around $300?

-Jon-

if you are going to spend money ona new rearend, you might as well just have someone install them for you and have it done right. and i doubt that changing gears is a matter of 2 bolts, gears have to be measured perfectly in place and from what i understand a very tedious process.

Changing gears in a 9" is easier than other rears but its not a job most racers are going to do at the track. You have to unbolt the axles from the housing flanges, pull the axles, and then unbolt and remove the third member. Sometimes its refered to as removing the "pig". This may seem simple enough, but unless you're really hardcore, you don't want to do this at the track. Plus, the exhaust may need removed and the driveshaft will need unbolted from the rear. I have a 9" in my mustang and I can tell you that its not like changing tires. The third member is HEAVY and trying to muscle that thing back in place is difficult. There are adapters for floor jacks that would make the job a little easier but its still a relatively tough job.

All I have to say is, you pay for what you get. If you going to be cheap and just have someone slap in some gears, I'm willing to bet they will wine and have many other problems. A good shop costs a lot because they do more then just install gears. I had mine installed at a shop who does gears for all the hard-core racers in my area. He did a complete rear end rebuild, new clutch pack, new bears and seals, turned the axles, etc., etc., etc. It's definitely worth the extra money to ensure everything is done right.

^but is that to be expected from a good shop? If so then I'd definately take it to a shop. I probably would anyway I'm just looking to see if there is an alternate route that is cheaper and just as affective