I see no reason not to replace them with hardened bolts so long as there is clearence for the head.

You do not want to swap one gear or the other. They are lapped at the factory together for proper clearances, and should therefore be replaced as a set.

Jeff


My 1953 Chevrolet
1947.1 Gallery
1972 C-10 1/2 Ton & 1972 C-30 1 Ton