10 Bolt Gm Rear End Question - Ring and Pinion Interchangeability

I have a 1979 GM 10 bolt 8.5 inch rear end. I need to change the ring and pinon set to a 3.73 ratio. Will a ring and pinon set from a 1986 chevy truck interchage. It is advertised as a 8.5", but i thought there was a change in teh mid '80s. Can someone clarify? THanks in advance.

 

The ring and pinion should interchange. The difference is the side gears and axles. Different size and spline, so if all you're using is R&P it should be fine. If you're trying to also use the carrier then it wont work.
Here's a link to a Hemmings article on the venerable 8.5" 10 bolt:
http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/2009/03/01/hmn_feature29.html

 

Thanks for the response and the link. I will only be changing the ring and pinion. Best regards.

 

8.5 gears. will interchange up into at least the mid 2000's.I put a 2005 so called 8.6 ring and pinion into a 1980 8.5 truck rear using the older pinion bearings.