I would say Strange/US gear, Motive, AAM are all really good gears, but I would probaably go AAM first. As far as what bearings you will need, that last thread you linked to was about replacing just a carrier. If you are changing gear ratios those are different bearings. You will need at least a new inner pinion bearing, they can be hard to get off in one piece. You wont have to remove the carrier bearings though, they can stay in place. Personally I dont see why you wouldnt just buy the kit. You will need the pinion nut, pinion seal, ring gear bolts, pinion and carrier shims, inner pinion bearing and race, gasket, lock tite- those are all a must. By the time you buy all that seperatly you are only saving maybe $30-40, sometimes less. It would suck to have a rear go bad because of $30 worth of bearings. Install will probably cost between $250-350 unless you can get a deal.

 

If the bearing are still pressed on the carrier you are installing, you don't need them.

 

I better save money for the master installation kit. I want to do this one time only. Thanks for the help guys.

 

I have never used a install kit with my gear swaps. but i have the tools needed to get the bearing off and back on