Differential Ring and Pinion gear setup

[quicksilvr]

I just snagged front and rear 4.30's from the classified's (thanks ARKRWLR!). I'm dead set on doing the whole job myself. Not right away, I actually won't do the installs until I get my 33's. That said, I'm reading up on tips and general know-how for differentials.

First thing I wanted to get was some responses from anyone on here who has done their gear installs themselves. Talk to me.



Second thing, is I've seen a really slick differential holder that mounts to a workbench, and can flip over so you can have either side of the 3rd member up to work on. I just can't find where to buy a good one. Help?

 

[4rnnerFan]

Diffs are my day job

If you havent done this before you should really read up a lot before you start. You need to make sure your pinion depth and backlash are set up properly, backlash from 9-11 thousandth, and that your patern looks good. You also need to make sure that your gear set its self isnt to used or has no obvious wear and tear marks (chips or teeth missing). Also it helps if you have a press to get the pinion bearing off and back on again. You need to make sure that the preload on the yoke and pinion isnt to tight or to loose. All of this info can be found on the internet however, and I dont mean to be a downer but if you can send it to a diff shop near you that you know will do the job right. Good luck buddy.

 

[quicksilvr]

If you havent done this before you should really read up a lot before you start. You need to make sure your pinion depth and backlash are set up properly, backlash from 9-11 thousandth, and that your patern looks good. You also need to make sure that your gear set its self isnt to used or has no obvious wear and tear marks (chips or teeth missing). Also it helps if you have a press to get the pinion bearing off and back on again. You need to make sure that the preload on the yoke and pinion isnt to tight or to loose. All of this info can be found on the internet however, and I dont mean to be a downer but if you can send it to a diff shop near you that you know will do the job right. Good luck buddy.

Thank you! Yes, everything you listed is exactly what I expected. I have access to lots of good tools, a press, etc. I also have my dad, who is a ME with lots of real world experience in everything mechanical. Between the two of us, taking our time, I'm 100% sure I can do it right. When it's actually time to do the job, you might get a pm or two from me.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Second thing, is I've seen a really slick differential holder that mounts to a workbench, and can flip over so you can have either side of the 3rd member up to work on. I just can't find where to buy a good one. Help?

I made one of these out of my old axle housing. That's the easiest way to do it.