Can I install gears without the tools?

[Hardwareman]

I need a replacement rear axle because mine's bent up pretty good and I ended up finding a replacement out of a 97 4-banger for $125.00

I'm pretty sure the gearing in the donor does'nt have 4.56's like I do in my current axle. Can I just transfer over the gears with the shims and everything that's currently installed in my axle?




Allen

 

[alaskan155]

Everthing will tranfer as long as its 7.5 to 7.5 but u still have to set the gear mesh and everthing and do not repeat do not mix the bearing caps up between housings

 

[Hardwareman]

Yes it is going from a 7.5 to another 7.5

Sooooooo, I can transfer everything exactly the way it's installed in mine into the donor 7.5 as long as I buy some mesh marking compound and ensure the pattern is correct? Thanks




Allen

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

no two axle housings are exactly the same, chances are very slim that your backlash, preload, and pinion depth will be correct if you transfer your setup from one housing to the other without re-setting it up properly...but i guess that doesnt mean you cant try.

 

[thegoat4]

Don't count on it. The shimming is not just to make up for variance in the gears themselves, but also variance in the housings.

 

[Ranger44]

no two axle housings are exactly the same, chances are very slim that your backlash, preload, and pinion depth will be correct if you transfer your setup from one housing to the other without re-setting it up properly...but i guess that doesnt mean you cant try.

x2.

 

[Capt Jay]

What's the truck used for. It's a little less critical on the trail than at highway speeds. Still important but not nearly so as your DD.

 

[Evan]

Can I just transfer over the gears with the shims and everything that's currently installed in my axle?

Absolutely not.

 

[bottledgt]

it may be close, it may not. depends on the two housings and how close they are to each other.. you need a new crush sleeve and seal though, and pinion nut

 

[Hardwareman]

Ok, thanks. I guess I'll have it done then like the last time. I'm going down to buy the axle in about an hour or so. I have to pull it but that's no big deal. I'll install it and then wait until I can get the gears installed.

I need them done right cause it is my DD and work truck. I'm guessing (hoping actually) that it has 3.73's in it like mine did when I first got it. Anything higher then that and I probably won't install it because the 4-banger just can't handle it.......hahaha

Would I be able to set these up myself or are the tools very expensive? Thanks



Allen

 

[86freebie]

you can get the tools for about 125 to 150. its not tough. but you must have patients. i will be doing my 8.8 in about 2 months when i get the locker and 4.10.

 

[Evan]

The tools are not expensive. You need at minimum a dial indicator with a magnetic base. If this is your first gear setup you'll want an inch pound wrench as well, to get the pinion bearing preload right.

The important things with gear setup:

- Do a lot of reading, understand the steps perfectly and why you're doing them
- Don't cut any corners, take your time
- If you have any questions, be sure to come on here and ask
- Get the specs dead on, close doesn't cut it

 

[Hardwareman]

Sounds kind of hard. I can't afford to buy the tools and then not be able to do it and then have to end up paying to have it done anyways right now.

Here's the axle i just picked up for $125.00 I did'nt even know there was an available sway bar for it.....hahaha

[/IMG]



Allen

 

[bottledgt]

if youre scared dont do it. if you think you can do it, go ahead and swap it all and see how it patterns out

 

[canyoncritter]

maybe a stupid question, but is your housing bent? or just a axle shaft?

if its just the axle shaft....you can just swap out the shaft...