advice needed

[infantry grunt]

I have brand new 4.56 gears w/master install kits sitting in my basement for almost 2yrs.I want to install them my self but,I dont want to mess anything up,as I have never done this.I have rebuilt 3 engines before and many other jobs,I am compitent,but dont know if im capable.I have done ALOT of research on swapping gears,but still not confident I can do it right.The local 4x4 shop wants $1100 for both axles(D35 and 99'expl 8.8).Can anyone tell me whats reasonable,with me pulling the axles and taking them to a shop,or maybe its not that complicated,you can do it yourself(motivation).This really sucks,any help is appreciated.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Like you, I've never done gears. I also let things slide for a long time before attempting them, because I'm scared I'll screw up. This is one of those things that I [you] have to get over, and every time that I do get over it and start the project, I get it done and done right. IMO this is a project that with the right measuring tools and some patience is achievable to the average mechanic. It's a matter of getting the gears meshing properly and there is lots of how to's out there.
Good luck,

Richard

 

[adsm08]

Get a dial indicator and some marking compound. Then grab a shop manual.

If you had the skill and patience to rebuild an engine you CAN do gears. Gears are easier than an engine, they are just tedious.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

I just changed the carrier to LS and put 3.73 ring and pinion in. Do all the research shimming can be time consuming you will need the proper bearing pullers get the preload on the bearings gear lash and mesh pattern correct. Once you get the carrier installed check the ring gear run out on the back of the ring gear shim for gear lash and check the wear pattern. If its a limited slip rear be sure and replace the clutches while its apart.

 

[infantry grunt]

Thank yall,I guess I just needed a push,havent thought about the clutches in the LS,but will replace.I always take alot of time doing things cause I want it right,thanks again,just needed some motivation.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

That's what I was hoping to hear! Let us know how it turns out. Take pics and point out the screw ups so the rest of us don't feel so bad....jk.
Good luck,

Richard

 

[4x4junkie]

My first gear install experience was for my BII back in '04. 40,000 miles later and all is still good.
I took plenty of time to read up until I finally felt confident about it (then read some more), finally made some tool purchases/loans, and then went at it.
Just be prepared for it to try your patience, as the gear contact pattern has to be dead-on (there's really no "good enough" for this). Eventually you'll get it.

In the FAQ at the top of the Axles section there should be some links to sites with info about DIY installation of gears.

Good luck.

 

[upnsmoke]

Some links I found helpful when I did mine:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144780
http://www.corral.net/tech/drivetrain/gears.html
http://www.angelfire.com/oh5/cpa5oh/cpa5ohtech001.htm

It could help to have access to a bearing splitter and a hydraulic press, too.

 

[Will]

My first gear install experience was for my BII back in '04. 40,000 miles later and all is still good.

Damn, that was a long time ago. I still keep thinking of your B2 being new and the Ranger being YOU.

 

[straycat]

I have brand new 4.56 gears w/master install kits sitting in my basement for almost 2yrs.I want to install them my self but,I dont want to mess anything up,as I have never done this.I have rebuilt 3 engines before and many other jobs,I am compitent,but dont know if im capable.I have done ALOT of research on swapping gears,but still not confident I can do it right.The local 4x4 shop wants $1100 for both axles(D35 and 99'expl 8.8).Can anyone tell me whats reasonable,with me pulling the axles and taking them to a shop,or maybe its not that complicated,you can do it yourself(motivation).This really sucks,any help is appreciated.

Don't do it yourself. The cost of a new set will just piss you off if you mess the install up. If you have a friend who can do the install..do it and watch and learn like I had to do. If not take it to a good shop and get the best price for the install.

 

[4x4junkie]

Damn, that was a long time ago. I still keep thinking of your B2 being new and the Ranger being YOU.

lol Time does fly it seems.

I still have the Ranger, though it's been more of my primary driver since getting my BII. The BII is just more fun & practical on the trails out here on the west coast.

 

[infantry grunt]

I found a local mech. that does gears on race cars,he also does mech. work for the local PD.He said $125 per axle if,I bring them to him.I think I will let him do my 8.8,and Im gonna try doing the front myself,and if I dont feel its right Ill take it to him aswell,thanks for the links upnsmoke.

 

[Will]

At $125, I would let him do both. And then check them thoroughly before installing them.

It's weird, junkie. All the old stuff we argued about and contemplated, I'm now going back and checking on. I'm getting the old B2 frame into the shop to work on it. The snow has set me back a bit, but I'm working on it. It's good to see you are still the vigilant watchman on these things after 10 or 12 years.