1987 Dodge Ram D-250 4x4 front Differential

[cramer]

Hi, I;'m new here because I bought a dodge truck and need some help. I havew a bad inner diferential bearing and I am having a hell of a time getting the ring and pinion gears out. I have thre caps off and the pinion bolt off and I can only get the gears to move about 3/4 of an inch. It seems to be hanging up on the drivers side. Any help in getting this thing out would be appreciated. Do I need a special tool for this?

 

[chrwilkins30]

If your new here why wouldn't you get on a dodge forum?

 

[RangerSVT]

Do you have both axleshafts out??
SVT

 

[cramer]

yes , i have both axil shaft out, both caps off and the pinion bolt off, the problem is when i pry the gears the drivers side will not go more than a half inch......maybe because of the shims??????? I'm sorry I didnt get on the dodge forums halfshaft I have alot of things going on in my time.......it seems you dont.........any help would be appreciated

 

[RangerSVT]

It could be from the bearing preload, possibly too much preload. Take a couple of prybars with the angled edge, find an equal prying point on both sides of the carrier, 180* apart so as to apply an equal force to remove the carrier. Some times they can be a little stubborn and need a little persuasion to come out. Once the shafts and the caps are removed, nothing should hold the carrier in except the preload, not even the pinion will hold it in. Once you remove the carrier, you will need to get a dead blow/brass hammer and knock the pinion out. It's best to take a piece of wood, like a scrap 2x4, and place that on the head of the pinion, so you don't damage the threads of the pinion. Even a dead blow/brass hammer can damage the threads if you miss when you swing. The outer pinion bearing is what keeps the pinion held in the housing, after the pinion nut is removed of course
SVT