Parts needed to do front and back re gear differentials

[Brumageq]

New to the forum and I just have a simple question. I have a 2015 LTZ z71 6.2L and I have 3.23 gears for both differential and I am wanting to change gears to 3.42 for better towing I know most will say go with 3.73 but I’m not going to tow big trailers all the time so no need for 3.73 and im not into lifted trucks so I won’t have bigger tires. So my question is what exactly all do I need parts wise for the front and back to make the gear change? 
 

I know gears and pinions but I’m clueless on anything else 

[HoosierZ]

Check out East Coast Gear Supply. They should be able to tell you everything you need to know. https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/files/PDF Files/gm9-5-12-bolt.pdf

 

[CamGTP]

Even though you aren't towing heavy weights and not lifting the truck you are still better off with 3.73's. If the price is the same for each gear set you are silly not to go with 3.73's. The 8 speed transmission would love them and the cruising rpm would be minimally different than 3.42's. Obviously a tune is required no matter what.

 

All you need is the gear sets and the install kits. Those include the bearings and such.

 

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-23993692-gm-9-76-12-bolt-install-kit-for-oe-ring-pinion-master.html

 

Double check which rear end you have, it should be a 9.76 in the 6.2's and the 9.5 in the 5.3's.

 

The front will need an install kit as well if offered.

Edited December 18, 2020 by CamGTP

[Brumageq]

Thanks that does help but it didn’t say much about the front differential 

[CamGTP]

Do some of your own homework too. This job is not easy and if you are going to a shop it's probably better that they order everything for you. Unless they don't upcharge if you bring in your own parts.

[Brumageq]

And I was doing previous research also and found myself on randysworldwide website and seen a loaded carrier and unloaded for both front and back differential I’m not sure what the loaded means does that mean it have everything in and you just put it in and go or is it just possibly the install kit already put together and then all you need is the ring and pinion 

https://www.randysworldwide.com/product/yc-g26067130/

 

[CamGTP]

Loaded vs unloaded just means it either has all the spider gears or it doesn't.

 

You don't need a new carrier if you are just swapping gears. The old ring gear will be unbolted and the new one bolted on.

[Brumageq]

I seen people say that also then I see other people say that you’ll need new carriers for both so that’s why I’m having a hard time making sure what I need before jumping the gun. I talked with a tech on the randysworldwide website and I’m sure he was wanting me to buy more stuff but he was saying that I’ll need carriers for the gear and pinion. Especially if I go up to 3.73

[CamGTP]

I'm not a gear expert but I've never seen it where you need to get a completely new carrier or differential just because you want to swap to better gears.

 

People swap them when they want a real locker like a Eaton Tru-Trac or similar because the factory G80 works but will not withstand a lot of abuse. They are known as the grenade 80 if someone likes to do burnouts, donuts and flog the truck off road.

[Brumageq]

I was just told about the carrier because it’s better to get new ones instead of shimming the gears to fit better and it’ll last a lot longer

[CamGTP]

You have to shim stuff no matter what.

 

Nothing is just slap it in and go. You must measure the backlash upon any install as well as the gear pattern on the ring and pinion. Watch some video's on gear installs, it will go over most of this stuff.