How hard is it to install 4.56 gears at home?

[BlueLighting1999]

I have a jack and shit and alot of tools but i was woundering how hard would it be to install 4.56 gears into my truck? How long could it take?

 

[rockwerks]

I have a jack and shit and alot of tools but i was woundering how hard would it be to install 4.56 gears into my truck? How long could it take?

Well since you have no clue on what you are doing, and probably not even close to the right tools, ID say 8 hours if you are lucky. You need a bunch of specialty tools for setting pinion depth and backlash

 

[4x4junkie]

In the Axle FAQ at the top here there are some links to swapping and setting up your own gears. I would strongly suggest a little reading (ok, a lot of reading lol).

In a nutshell, gear setup is very intricate work that requires many special tools (way beyond having a jack lol) and a whoooooooole lot of patience. If you think you got that, then it might be worth giving it a try. But I do suggest you not try it yet on your main ride however.

 

[rockwerks]

In the Axle FAQ at the top here there are some links to swapping and setting up your own gears. I would strongly suggest a little reading (ok, a lot of reading lol).

In a nutshell, gear setup is very intricate work that requires many special tools (way beyond having a jack lol) and a whoooooooole lot of patience. If you think you got that, then it might be worth giving it a try. But I do suggest you not try it yet on your main ride however.

Well put! Patience, patience, patience. and then a little more patience also helps.

 

[BlueLighting1999]

Alright then i think i might jut pay someone to do it for me!
But i looked at the parts section of this website there was 4.56 Gears and pistions for like $231.35 if got these is that all i need? i have a 8.8 Axel....
How much would i cost to install it like the price range?

 

[strvger]

don't for get that if you have a 4x4 you will also need a set for the front axle. price around here is from about $600-800 for installing both sets and a locker in the rear as well.

 

[BlueLighting1999]

don't for get that if you have a 4x4 you will also need a set for the front axle. price around here is from about $600-800 for installing both sets and a locker in the rear as well.

So your saying its $600-800+$231.35+instalation? Or are the front set also 231.35?

 

[4x4junkie]

Figure about $200-250 for each gearset ($180 or so if you go with a "value" type gearset), plus another $60-120 for the installation kit needed for each axle, and (if you're having a shop do it) and about $250-300 for setup labor (each axle).

Often times you can cut down on the labor a bit by removing the axles from the truck and bringing them in alone (the front is especially easy this way, as it's much smaller than the rear once removed from the truck).

 

[-Nathan-]

i did both of mine with a buddy over teh course of a weekend. It is A LOT of work...and expect things to go wrong or take longer than you expect. There is an EXCELLENT write up here:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/

you WILL need some specialty tools, like a dial indicator, pullers, digital caliper, LOTS AND LOTS OF PATIENCE.

While me and a buddy did it, i have NO idea how i would have managed solo...i swear i had the carrier out of the diff like 20 times, and would have probably messed up my shim packs.

Dont forget if you do it to save your pinion bearings to use as setup bearings...use a dremel or something to ream them out. Heres some pics from my install for inspiration:

dana 35...

carrier bearing puller, used it to pull the pinion bearings too..worked SO well

pattern!!!

heres my 8.8 with a lockrite

Make sure you do lots and lots of reading....and take your time.

 

[BlueLighting1999]

Figure about $200-250 for each gearset ($180 or so if you go with a "value" type gearset), plus another $60-120 for the installation kit needed for each axle, and (if you're having a shop do it) and about $250-300 for setup labor (each axle).

Often times you can cut down on the labor a bit by removing the axles from the truck and bringing them in alone (the front is especially easy this way, as it's much smaller than the rear once removed from the truck).

Dam that is alot of money! So around 1000+ right?
Okay dude sounds like i might have to wait on this....

 

[-Nathan-]

i spent just about 1000$, that included Yukon 4 56 gears front, and rear, master insall kits for both, and a lockright.

 

[strvger]

don't worry, it will be more than worth the wait. finally had mine done a couple weeks ago. world of difference. have my 5th gear od back and the cruise control is great! i actually believe i'm getting a little better mileage as my foot was always floored with the old 3.45 gears. i went from the original 195/75x15 tires to 215/85x16's and that helped with the 4.56's as well.

 

[BlueLighting1999]

i spent just about 1000$, that included Yukon 4 56 gears front, and rear, master insall kits for both, and a lockright.

Okay man sounds cool!! So around 1000 bucks right??

 

[-Nathan-]

yeah for parts...then in addition to that i bought:

4 cans brake cleaner
lots of paper towels/rags
2 gallons of 80w90 gear oil
digital caliper
dial indicator
carrier bearing puller
and probably 100$ or more in extra little stuff.


this was all so i could do it myself....but it was definately worth it

 

[legoms013]

I have a jack and shit and alot of tools but i was woundering how hard would it be to install 4.56 gears into my truck? How long could it take?

Being that all the readings ive seen on the net are usually 10 plus pages of writing about the procedures, and specialy tools being needed, its not something you can just buy all the stuff and do over a weekend if you've never done it before. I haven't and I don't ever intend to Ill leave the "hard" stuff for the real mechanics.