I dont understand why i have to change the carrier in the front end when changing gears. Is this just a scheme to get another 70$$ out of you, or do i really need it. Also when changing gears in A DANA i was told that i need to get A case spreader to get the gears in and out. Any help would be greatly apprecciated

 

I understand that for the Dana44 in our Dodge Rams, if you have the 3.55 gears it is a different carrier than the 3.92 or 4.11 carrier. That being said, Randys Ring and Pinion offers a thick 4.11 ring that works with the 3.55 carrier. The standard thickness 4.11 requires a different carrier.

As far as the case spreader is concverned someone else will have to help with that.

 

Thanks man sounds like im goin to get the thick ring 4.11, I hope someone else has heard about a case spreader

 

When I went to 4.10's, I did the thick gear.

 

I would imagine it woud be stronger too. Being "thicker"

 

I suppose the gear itself is stronger, but the teeth are still the same. That's were you would actually want added strength.

 

True, I guess you didn't do the install of your gears???

 

You don't 'need' a case spreader but that is the proper way to remove and install the carrier in the case.

The case spreader stretches the case so you don't have to pry the carrier out and then pound it back in.

Pounding the carrier back in is hard on the bearings. The carrier has to fit very tight in the housing otherwise it will float back and forth during acceleration and decell.
You don't need a case spreader for the rear axle (9:25) because it has screw type adjustable collars to adjust preload on the carrier, not shims like the Dana 44 has.

 

Thats great!! All i need is a Big freakin hammer. That saves alot of hassle because i would have no idea where to get a case spreader/squeezer or whatever the hell you call it. But then again it would be easier to install the gearswith one of those contraptions

 

If you're going to pound it in and out get a dead blow hammer or use a big brasspunch.
pounding directly on the bearing with the hammer will definitely cause accelerated wear.

A gear swap for a DIYer is an adventurous project

Good luck