I am switching out the rear end in my 89 dakota 2wd 3.9 due to a completely obliterated differential (pics coming soon just for sheer entertainment value)

I have the old one completely out, but the newer one (from a junkyard in TN) is missing the pinion nut, that holds on the yoke where the driveshaft meets the rear end. I have soaked that thing with PB Blaster, and gone to town on it with a 24inch breaker bar and 1-1/4inch socket, after busting 2 ratchets with a cheater pipe on em. I've been working on this one nut all day long, and cant get it to budge. Anyone out there with some tips? I do not have a compressor (well, i do... but the motor is burnt out) or an electric impact wrench. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

 

try hitting the breaker bar with a hammer to jar it loose. ot heat that mo fo up with a torch. and remember righty tighty lrfty loosey, lol. i had to say it.

 

There is a keyway in the pinion shaft and the pinion nut is staked or dented in into that keyway be very sure that you take a small punch and beat that rim of the pinion nut back out before you try to remove the pinion nut.

 

Sorry to say the best way is impact wrench. I have tried to get one off with out it and it was nearly impossible. If there is a way you can take it to a shop and ask them to use their impact and if they can do it, for a small fee of coarse. Or some stores like autozone do free loan a tool. An electric was great for getting it off. I have an compresser and an air impact but it wouldnt budge due to I dont have a large tank.

 

Well, i've looked all over the newer one, and could not see a keyway anywhere. Also I have smacked that thing all over with the hammer and tried heating it and cooling it all that fun stuff. I have pretty much given up on this nut anyway and will be getting a new one from the dealer here for about $6.50 on friday... I think that is a bit better than spending days on that nut.

Heres hoping that is the last problem I have with this rear end!

Thanks for all of your help too.

 

i have a 15 gal. coleman compressor i got at wallmart for $ 299 canadian, came with all the fittings, gun, ratchet and an air pressure washer (coleman also has a gun for that compressor that will go up to 400 ft lbs, 80 bucks). if you do all your own work there well worth the money. never met a nut i couldn't get off yet including pinions and mines an 89 too. i don't have a garage so i've used it outside in the rain and snow, still runs like new after 5 years of abuse.
like crazy said though if you don't want to invest in one any local garage will pop it off for a couple of bucks.