Replacing rear-end w/ one w/ a diff. ratio

[abebesheir]

I have to replace the rear-end in my 1992 9c1... The local junkyard has a few Caprice wagons. They told me that the rear-end from the wagon would work just fine in the 9c1 sedan.
The gear ratio on my car is 3:42, the ratio on the wagon is 2:73, what differences in performance should I expect with the change in gears?

[DenisM]

the car will be noticeably slower off the line, but will have some increase in top speed and fuel efficiency.

[1986Z28]

Originally Posted by abebesheir

I have to replace the rear-end in my 1992 9c1... The local junkyard has a few Caprice wagons. They told me that the rear-end from the wagon would work just fine in the 9c1 sedan.
The gear ratio on my car is 3:42, the ratio on the wagon is 2:73, what differences in performance should I expect with the change in gears?

you would get much better gas mileage, but you car would be slugish off the line

[abebesheir]

All that is wrong with the rear end are the inner and outer pinion bearings and crush sleeve.
Since the price of a wagon rear-end was only $150... I was tempted to go with it. However, since it would noticeably affect the speed off the line, I have put that idea to sleep.
The price of a used 3:42 posi rear-end would be $400 plus installation.
I was told not to just replace the inner and outer pinion bearings as this would cause grinding.
Is there some way I can get out of this mess for less than $300?