1995 Camaro V6 3.4L

Now that I have my differential exposed I'm considering swapping with a different ratio ring/pinion. What is involved?

I was talking to my dad (aerospace engineer with intermediate automotive skills) and he was saying its more work than he would want to attempt.

To change out the set will I need to drop the entire rear end or can I install a new set without all that hassle? I have my driveshaft dropped and both rear axles out.

I live out in the county so my commute to work involves 20mins worth of driving (about 5 stop signs), followed by 10mins worth of 70mph highway. I'd like a little more takeoff, but not to the point where it would completely kill my MPG (currently 22-25MPG). Gas prices suck.

BTW, what ratio comes with a stock V6 3.4L, or how could I tell just by rotating the gears?

Thanks,
- kisk

 

Kisk,
I just did mine this weekend. You do not have to remove the housing to install a gear set. It takes some doing but I did mine in the car.
I found I needed to get a few things to do it successfully. I bought a 12 ton press, bearing splitter, Pinion depth tool, Gear set and installation kit.
I already had the dial indicator and venneer calipers. My outlay was about $600.00 total.
It is a bit of a pain, but if you have the patience and THE RIGHT TOOLS it is not too bad. Tell you what I also changed the plugs on this car this weekend too.....I think I would rather rebuild the rear end before I to change plugs again....
If your car still has the RPO codes on the inside of the driver door you can go to nastyz28.com and look up the codes and find your gear ratio. (they may be posted here somewhere even)

 

well after counting my teeth it turns out I already have 3.23s ...

Just replaced both carrier bareings and races.

I receive ~21-25mpg at the moment. About how much of a mileage boost would I expect to receive with a smaller gear set?

Thanks!