Rebuilding Differential -- Grease any Bearings?

[BWDuty]

I've tackled quite a few projects and I'm generally pretty mechanically inclined, but never fully rebuilt a differential. I've pulled spider gears and replaced entire rear ends so I'm not a *complete* noob.

I bought everything I need to rebuild my rear differential. New pinion and ring gear (primary purpose since I went 5" bigger on tires, regearing from 3.73 to 4.56), spider gears, notched spider gear pin, ALL new bearings/races/seals, even new bearings and seals for the axles since I'll have them out anyway.

My question is -- do I use bearing grease on anything, or does the gear oil in the diff reach everything to keep it lubricated? Even the ones in the yoke? Or the ends of the axles? I'd probably be able to tell once I get it apart and see how/where all of the bearings and seals fit together but I'd rather know before I tear into it. If the gear oil lubricates everything I'll just pre-soak the bearings a bit before installing them. If they need to be packed with grease I'll use high quality synthetic grease. I already have plenty of both. Just hoping to find out from a pro before hand!

It's 4x2 of course, which is why I'm only regearing the rear. Just wanted to throw that out there! I also imagine that effects things since the 4x4 probably has an entire sealed hub and bearing assembly.

Thanks!

 

[adsm08]

The gear oil lubes all the bearings, but it won't hurt to pack them with a synthetic grease first, just don't over-do it. It would be more like when you dab some grease on valve keepers so they don't fall off while you work, rather than packing a front wheel bearing for use.

Most guys I know who do diffs professionally dip the bearings in gear oil before assembly and then let the vehicle idle in gear on the lift for a while to get the fluid circulating without putting any real load on the diff.

 

[BWDuty]

Awesome, exactly what I needed to know, thank you!