10 bolt rear carrier questions

[89GMCK5]

I've hunted around and can't seem to find the answer, so here goes. Just after I bought my 89 Jimmy I discovered the gov-lok housing starting to crack or split in half. I took the rear end out and put in a replacement a buddy had. I have now got my hands on a eaton clutch style unit and planned on swapping it out with the cracked gov lok. I have never set up a rear end so I have some questions or am hesitant on a few items.
1. Since the pinion was not affected and there is no need to remove it to replace the carrier, is there a good reason to while I am in there?
2. Should I plan on a new mini kit from Randy's Ring and pinion to install the new carrier or just remove the damaged gov lok, bolt up the eaton and put the stock shims back where they came from and run it?
3. I know the caps need to go back exactly where they are now. I have the new carrier bearings already pressed on. Anything else I am missing?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[sweetk30]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/

read the basics here for answers

 

[Blue85]

There is a chance that you won't need to remove the pinion, but it's not certain. Since you are putting the same gears in the same housing, the pinion depth should at least be close. It may be right on. If you have a lot of time to let it sit, then go ahead and check the pattern. If it's off, then you'll need to get the bearing puller, crush sleeve, etc. to change the pinion depth. If the pattern is good, then you just have the carrier shims to deal with and you're done.

 

[89GMCK5]

Thanks to both. Ton of reading and real good info on that pirate link, thanks sweetK30.
I'm hesitant to dive into it, as it's my first one, but time to learn.

Thanks again guys. I appreciate it.

Scott

 

[sweetk30]

with that info link and a camera and ck5 you will get it.

we help guys a lot with pics of setup to make sure its right.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Guess i'll throw the wrench into your plans IF you didn't know beforehand but 1989 was the first year that GM used the 30 spline carrier and if you bought a 28 spline carrier then you'll be needing to grab some 28 spline axles. You might want to check that out before you get too far into this project and then discover you need more parts (axles).