Will 30 spline ring and pinion gears work with 28 spline axles?

[84 Shorty]

Im wanting to change my gears from 4.10 to a 3.42 or 3.73. All the ring and pinion gears I am seeing are 30 spline. More than likely my axles are 28 spline since they went to a 30 spline on the 88 years. I have an open rear end, so will 30 spline ring and pinion work? I think I said spline enough in this post

 

[bucket]

The ring and pinion don't care if it's a 28 or 30 spline carrier.

 

[84 Shorty]

The ring and pinion don't care if it's a 28 or 30 spline carrier.

That’s what I figured, thanks for clarifying.

 

[crazy4offroad]

8.5 and 8.6 are the same, just make sure the gear set you buy matches the carrier break of your current differential.

 

[84 Shorty]

8.5 and 8.6 are the same, just make sure the gear set you buy matches the carrier break of your current differential.

4.10s use the same carrier as 3.73 and 3.42 gears I believe

 

[crazy4offroad]

A reputable vendor will make it clear what carrier their gears are made for. Depending on the axle 4.10 and up are considered "thick" gear sets designed for 3-series carriers.

 

[436'd skylark]

The pinion gear has on an 8.5" rear is 30 spline. That might be what's throwing you off. Lots of sites list that spec as well