I am putting 5.13 gears in my rear diff to match my front and don't want to shell out $650 to AC for a "so called bolt in ring and pinion."
I currently have a 1995 h233b w/ a detoit locker.
I am going to swap for a pre 89 h233b rear diff. The problem is that I can't locate a pre 89 h233b that's not an LSD. My question is can I swap out the pre 89 LSD carrier for my 95 open carrier? I know the 3rd's won't swap but am hoping the carriers will.

Actually, you can change 3rds. Earlier models had fewer bolts holding the third in, but you can just remove the extra studs from your newer axle and put the old 3rd on anyway.
Also, there is a guy on Pirate selling a complete 233 with 5.13's, open for $800. May want to consider that. Then you can sell your open carrier and recoup some of what you spend on the axles. Just an idea.

So you're swapping the entire rear diff from a pre-89 under your 95, then you want to put your 95 open carrier in the older diff? Should work, though I believe there may be an issue with the driveshaft flange (not related to the open/LSD). Also note that the older diff won't have the ABS sensor on the pinion, so your ABS will be disabled.
Same two issues even if you just swap in an older third in your 95 housing.

Brent

I've done it...you can't swap thirds the thirds...we had a problem getting the pinon to seal..kept everything under the truck well oiled. Your better off just using the 87 plus housing, its a direct bolt on

You've got me confused. What does the pinion have to do w/swapping thirds? Or did u swap carriers and R/P? If R/P were swapped, no that wouldn't work. But thirds will. Sorry, just need some clarification.

BWO, you got me confused. How does the pinion leaking have anything to do with how the 3rd mounts to the housing? These are two different parts, no?

ok thats what I get for half reading a post and talking on the phone. Yeah you should be ok the carriers should be the same...I had a problem in which I attempted to modify the old gears for the new diff. Pinon would not seal as a result and we ended up swaping the housing because to stick the 89 gears in.
Sorry bout that