[Sean Marconette]

If you are replacing the ring and pinion, Motive makes a lightened ring gear. Reducing as much weight off the frontend as you can. Ceramic bearings are not cheap and really of no benefit with what you are doing. Spend your money on other things first. Synthetic gear lube in the rear end. You can reduce drag on the front wheels by working on the wheel bearing seal. The easier the car is to roll is always better. Use a good quality wheel bearing grease, and it does not have to be packed unless it's a street strip car. This requires more maintenance though. Good shocks and struts will help too. Attention to details and reducing friction are what you want to do.

With a stick shift unibody car, the stiffer the car the longer it will live.

Sean