I did. I have pictures of it before I painted it black. Honestly, I painted it semi-black because the orange did not to the car justice. The orange had faded spots that appeared like rust when in reality, it was only red oxide primer underneath. In my opinion, the black just looks so much better. I'll have to check (can't remember right now) but I'm pretty sure the rearend is an 8 1/4... it's definately not an 8 3/4. As for the gears, I do not know. Probably 2.76. I'll post interior pictures this evening.