Spider gear pin removal

[RodnRudy]

I removed the rear cover from my 71 C10 rear end yesterday to access the c-clips and remove the axles for cleaning and inspection of the bearings. Also I want to replace the seals as well. Much to my dismay I found the pin and bolt holding it in place had been spot welded. Also Ifound the gear set had been changed to a 3:07 from a 3: 73 as the stamping on the axle housing code shows. The ring gear code is 43/14. See attached pics. I like the 3:07 gear because I'm going to use a TH350 trans.
Now for the questions, do I grind the spot welds off to pull the spider gear pin to remove the c-clips then re spot weld the pin and bolt after reassembly? Or should I just say run it the way it is? The seals are not leaking by the way. I don't know the history of this rear end, it came out of a parts truck and I'm putting it in my 68 to get the 5 lug pattern.

[70']

If it ain't broke, don't fix it

[RodnRudy]

HaHaHa, I'm leaning that way!

[Bigdav160]

Save up for a new posi case and do it all at the same time

[Mike C]

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

Save up for a new posi case and do it all at the same time

This.

Run it as-is until you must do something with it then swap in a limited slip of some sort.

Another 3 series open case should be pretty easy to come by as well used.

[Redline novdog]

If the seals aren't leaking and the carrier bearings are good (no play in them) put the cover back on and fill with oil and enjoy. If you start messing with that welded pin carrier it'll end up costing a complete rebuild w/carrier. Like bigdav160 said use it and save/look for something you want more. That rearend could possibly outlast the rest of the drivetrain.

[RodnRudy]

Well you guys have convinced me to leave well enough alone. I'll just replace the brake hardware and put new drums on it. If that pin comes loose, I'm sure I'll know about it pronto!! LOL

[LockDoc]

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I don't see that pin ever coming loose unless you grind the welds off and remove the bolt....

LockDoc