i have used a recommened this tear down link many times, it covers everything in lamens/home mechanic talk with eccelent pictures, and since we dont have one and everyone asks how to do this and that, could someone make it a sticky?

http://www.angelfire.com/theforce/5ohcpa/cpa5ohtech001.htm

very good reading. thanks!

Outstanding info! Made it a sticky!!!

thanks hopefully it will help everyone as much as i learned from it

The only thing I would add would be that "if" you decide to use a hammer and punch to "drive" the gears in is to use a brass punch.
Dave

Would those procedures be the same for a 7.5" axle?

have not read it but Ive been in both and they are the same exept for the size of the carrier and ring and pinion for the most part.

Some awesome parts for putting gears in an 8.8:

Easy to use Pinion Depth Tool:
http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/rat-10006_w.jpg
http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=partdetail.asp&autofilter=1&Ntt=8%2E8&N=4294925139+1003+4294925137+4294855608&part=RAT%2D10006&autoview=sku

http://www.ratechmfg.com/pinion%20setting%20tool.htm

http://www.ratechmfg.com/sdpinionshims2.gif
http://www.ratechmfg.com/sdpinshims.htm

If you've ever messed with installing gears... (measuring, pressing bearings, shims..) you know..


Just press on the bearing... Use that tool and pick the right shims... Doesn't get any easier then that.

Sure beats using that $100 tool kit(dial indicator/stand) and pressing the pinion bearing on and off to change the shim(s)!

Pick up a hydraulic press of some size...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/33400-33499/33497.gif
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=33497

im attempting to put a limited slip in my 8.8 this weekend.. havent decided on what ring and pinion im gonna use yet.. thanks for the good info.. sure make things clear for me since i havent messed with gearing before