Tools for gear swap

[craveman85]

I'm picking up some tools for swapping out gears in an 8.8 axle. I already have an inch/lb torque wrench and a magnetic base micrometer for checking backlash. I was thinking of getting a jegs ring and pinion setup kit and maybe the harbor freight 20 ton press. Have any of you used this press for installing the bearings? Is it big enough for the carrier? I'll be getting a bearing separator too but haven't picked one out yet. I'll probably be doing some other gear swaps as well over time so I don't mind buying more tools. I've got a Dana 30 and AMC 20 I want to swap gears in as well.

 

[Curious Hound]

You need an in-lbs beam style torque wrench for check pinion preload. A ft-lbs torque wrench for while torqueing the nut. The pinion nut is around 250 ft-lbs if I remember right. A large 2-jaw puller for getting the inner pinion bearing off. The harbor freight 20 ton press is good for the job. I also used a 3ft long piece of 2" angle iron to make a tool to hold the pinion flange while I torqued the pinion nut. Other than that, it's pretty standard stuff. Would be much easier with a case spreader. But that's expensive . Some people make their own. A long stick for pushing rags through the tubes while cleaning can be handy.

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[adsm08]

I have that press. I have not used it for those bearings, but I have used it for other bearings that take a lot more pressure and I love it. The worst thing about it is that 20T ram takes it's good old time going anywhere. That and I once got the arbor stuck in the race of a Jetta wheel bearing, but that is another story. It will be plenty big enough for what you are doing, both size wise and the amount of force you can put to stuff.

Recently as part of upgrades to my shop's compressed air system I replaced the original bottle jack with a pneumatic/hydraulic one. It extends a lot faster, but I haven't had the chance to actually use it yet.

I would also suggest investing in the Ratech pinion depth tool.

 

[Curious Hound]

I watched Craigslist for a while hoping to find a better press. But on sale with a coupon, that press can't be beat. I straightened out a trailer tongue jack for my wife's uncle the other day. He was going to use a torch and hammer. I had it done in no time. My press is actually in his shop.

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[Curious Hound]

It's a great size for u-joints, too.

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[craveman85]

I'll probably build my own spreader. I may actually make my own pinion depth gauge too. I haven't used my lathe in quite some time

 

[Captain Ledd]

My jaw puller set wouldn't fit behind the bearings, so be careful of that. I bought a clamshell puller similar to these: EBAY link, and it's worked well on my installs.

x2 on the beam type in-lbs wrench, clicker or digital won't do it.

Other than what's been mentioned, lots of patience.

 

[craveman85]

I've got the beam style one already. Use it for my front wheel bearings. Not doing a gear change now but I bought an r7 code rear end at the junkyard yesterday for $80. Gonna throw some new bearings in it and mustang brakes.