setting up gears

[Boggin]

i was wondering if taking out my old gears and installing new ones is a real big job? i know i gotta torque done different bolts specificaly and i seen all that in the tech library, but i was wondering how hard it is to set backlash? should i just bring it to a shop to get it done or is it easy enough for me and a buddy to do
thanks

edit; i am taking 3.55s out and installing 3.73s in a d35

 

[cargs]

you would be better off to find a D35 with 3.73 gears already installed, cheaper and easier.

 

[ThatGuy]

And for only that small of a change it's really not worth it. If you're gonna do it, do it right the first time. There is a reason shops charge $200-$300 to do it. It's not too difficult if you have the right tools but if not and you've never done it before, I'd let someone else do it and watch if possible.

 

[martin]

Getting the pinion depth right is the hardest part (also the most critical).

 

[Boggin]

well i have 3.27s now, i already have a rear axle with 3.73s, but i have a spare d35 diff with 3.55s, so i would just use that diff to put the 3.73s in cause i got a wicked deal on front 3/73s so then ill jus bolt in the other diff with the 3.73s, make sense?
and thanks

 

[-Nathan-]

It is not a bolt in affair, nor a trivial task for the first timer. If you have never done it, I would suggest having someone else do it, and you watch to learn...or get an idea.

 

[Ranger44]

I'd agree. Many special tools like a torque wrench, runout gauge.....just to start are needed. Not to mention bearing splitters and a press. Also a good eye, lots of putting it together, and taking it back apart. Trying to set used gears and quite a bit harder than new gears.

This isn't something to just cheap out on. You could quit easily end up with a bad contact problem, and grenade the front diff.

My suggestion is to find a chunk with 3.73's already in it and slap it into the beam. They are plentiful in stock form and not at all rare. Not like a D35 4.10 diff.