ok, so i have a 3.55 gear set for a 9 1/4. i believe it is a clutch type. how do i tell if it is any good, or if it needs to be rebuilt? i would rather not just install it to find out. thanks for the help!

well considering you don't wanna check it the HARD way, i'll tell yah the EASY way. Put a tire iron, interlock
it with the wheel studs on one side of the axle. on the otherside, put a lug nut on one of the studs, put a torque
wrench on it. if it holds to anything over 70 ft-lbs.. your golden. BTW.. you most likely have the "cone" style grip.

PS i say 70ft-lbs cause you may break the stud.

...its not installed in the truck. is there a way to check it before i install it?

Take it apart and make sure the cones are not bottomed out inside the carrier.

Not to highjack here but how can I tell if the cones are bottomed out? Do you have any pics? Mike