Rebuilding a Rear Differential

[Istandalone]

Don't know if you have seen this site, but it seems to be pretty good, at least thorough.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/

 

[dieseltech09]

Looks like about 6 hrs but Im not going to say that 100% accurate. Thats just the figures from AllData. You might call a drive train shop and ask what they charge.

 

[Rajder]

I tried putting higher gears in my truck a few years ago. You are correct about the shims setting the correct gear mesh. I can tell you that the job isn't for newbs thats for sure. I had an experienced mechanic help me and it was still a nightmare. If you don't have all the tools (bearing pullers, bearing press, dial indicators, etc) I wouldn't even try it. For me, it was a nightmare but I finally got the mesh perfect. Then when I went to put it all back together I was trying to crush the crush sleeve and instead of crushing the crush sleeve it stripped the threads on the pinion. Now that gearset is scrap. I just put the original gears back in said screw it. I no longer have access to the tools needed so I haven't touched it since then. One of these days I'm going to pay an experienced mechanic to put them in for me cause I ain't messing with it again. I hope you have better luck than I had but I don't think you will find someone to do that work for cheap because not many mechanics are experienced with differential work anymore. All I can say is good luck!

 

[DanB]

The shims adjust pinion depth the crush sleeve is to preload the pinion bearings.

I have a magnetic dial indicator you can use if you want. Just sitting in my garage collecting dust.

on the cost I can't quote you a current price but several years ago 250 an axle would get you setup. This was labor only. you supplying everything else, gears, locker, master install kit. Probably going to pay a bit more than that now.