9" question
 

I have a Tom's built Top Alcohol 3:40 gear pumpkin. Brand new. Will a 5.00 gear plop right in there? No weird shimming like 10 or 12 bolts?

Re: 9" question
 

there are no different series gears for a 9" like 10 -12 bolts or Danas have .
The spool will be the same ,but the pinion is probably the large 35 spline type so your 5.00 gear will need to be a 35 spline or you will have to change the yoke and use a collar and spacer on the stock size pinion shaft. ....... Preload does not change with the gears ,once it's set it's good unless you replace bearings.
pinion depth is changed with shims under the pinion support. ..backlash and spool bearing preload is done with the threaded adjusters.

Re: 9" question
 

"It's all coming back to me like the hot kiss at the end of a wet fist" (Firesign Theater.)

Thanks Tom. Sounds like the Olds/Pontiac rears. I've set some of those up eons ago.

Thanks again.