ripping the d44 apart!

[Green__machine]

whats your opinnion about rebuilding a diff, i am putting new gears and a locker into the originional carrier but all the bearings seem the be fine ,should i replace them or just go with it? i am only using the truck for off road only.
d44 build, also narrowing it as well should i just shortin the shaft or get a chromoly? new to this fab style ,have looked on forums but havent found everyone oppinions.

 

[4x4junkie]

Assuming it's a front D44, I'd keep the existing bearings if they're in good shape. Most of the time the bearings in a front axle have very little use on them compared to those in a rear axle.

 

[yyc_tbird_sc]

Ditto....

Unless you're planning on putting in a new carrier, then I suggest new bearings as you've gotta press them off/on.

 

[Bray D]

Unless you're planning on putting in a new carrier, then I suggest new bearings as you've gotta press them off/on.

He's gotta do that anyways if he plans to properly install the gearset. The shims are behind the bearings on dana axles. I'd use the old ones as setup bearings and buy new for final installation.

 

[Toreadorranger]

New bearings are "cheap", like bray said get new and use the old as setups.