Alright guys i just wanted to let you all know i finally got time to change the front diff to match the rear and the truck performs great now in 4x4. Shift on the fly works well and i havent had anymore crazy steering problems. So thanks for all the input and info.

 

did you do it yourself or have it done?
who did it?
how much in parts and labor?

 

I got my timkins master install kit delivered for $110
4.56 ring and pinion delivered for $158
Gear oil $13
I did the install myself. It really was not that hard time consuming though. i replaced the bearings on the carrier, i pulled the bearing off the old pinion and dremmeled it out so it would slide on the new pinion so i could shim it up with out having to press and un press the new bearing. Installed the pinion had to man up to crush the sleeve then set the torque on the pinion and put it all back together.

Broken parts in the process:
1 bent hub bolt
1 stripped tierod end (needed to be replaced anyway)

The process was pretty easy thanks to this forum and the internet. The haynes book didnt really have very much insight into changing r/p. Labor was ~17 hours but i was battling oregon rain, and constant parts runs(thank god for another car) oh and i had to re tap one of the carrier bolt holes in the axle.
Good experiance?? -----> Yes - the rain and cold...

 

nice work!