Dana 44 gear size
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,399
Likes: 4,214
From: Clayton MI
The Previous Owner of his truck changed the rear gears, but, didn't do the front. NOT a good idea. Truck does VERY weird things when in 4 wheel drive.
Now, if you PLANNED it that way, and used tire size to correct for gear ratio difference, that would be a little better.... but, not much.
Now, if you PLANNED it that way, and used tire size to correct for gear ratio difference, that would be a little better.... but, not much.
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 3
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Here you go
Quote: Is this a job you can do your self or does it require special tools?
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...f-gears-2.html
Quote: Is this a job you can do your self or does it require special tools?
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...f-gears-2.html
The way I look at it - Is someone done it before I can do it myself.
I've change both front and back to 4.88 gears.
Back is relatively simple - No shims, just adjuster rings - you can buy a tool for these of make your own (this is what I did). Took a piece of steel pipe (about 3' long) and welded two nuts on each end.
You'll also need the depth dial with magnetic base to set you backlash.
I also purchased (I think you can rent one) carrier/pinion bearing puller - You will need one to do the front. If you changing bearings on the back you will need to use this tool as well.
Front - No adjuster rings. You have to move shims around to get the right backlash.
Each time you have to pull the bearings off and press them back on.
I was immaculate doing this project. First time I did differentials.
I had to take the front carrier out about dozen times before I was satisfied with all the settings.
Take your time - it will get frustrating.
Now that everything is put back together I got about 1000 miles on it. Got the gear lube changed at about 500 miles. No problems. No funny sounds. Works great.
BTW I've also installed locker on the back along with changing gears.
Good luck with your project.
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,399
Likes: 4,214
From: Clayton MI
Well, Yes you can do the job yourself. It's a bit PITA but its doable.
The way I look at it - Is someone done it before I can do it myself.
I've change both front and back to 4.88 gears.
Back is relatively simple - No shims, just adjuster rings - you can buy a tool for these of make your own (this is what I did). Took a piece of steel pipe (about 3' long) and welded two nuts on each end.
You'll also need the depth dial with magnetic base to set you backlash.
I also purchased (I think you can rent one) carrier/pinion bearing puller - You will need one to do the front. If you changing bearings on the back you will need to use this tool as well.
Front - No adjuster rings. You have to move shims around to get the right backlash.
Each time you have to pull the bearings off and press them back on.
I was immaculate doing this project. First time I did differentials.
I had to take the front carrier out about dozen times before I was satisfied with all the settings.
Take your time - it will get frustrating.
Now that everything is put back together I got about 1000 miles on it. Got the gear lube changed at about 500 miles. No problems. No funny sounds. Works great.
BTW I've also installed locker on the back along with changing gears.
Good luck with your project.
The way I look at it - Is someone done it before I can do it myself.
I've change both front and back to 4.88 gears.
Back is relatively simple - No shims, just adjuster rings - you can buy a tool for these of make your own (this is what I did). Took a piece of steel pipe (about 3' long) and welded two nuts on each end.
You'll also need the depth dial with magnetic base to set you backlash.
I also purchased (I think you can rent one) carrier/pinion bearing puller - You will need one to do the front. If you changing bearings on the back you will need to use this tool as well.
Front - No adjuster rings. You have to move shims around to get the right backlash.
Each time you have to pull the bearings off and press them back on.
I was immaculate doing this project. First time I did differentials.
I had to take the front carrier out about dozen times before I was satisfied with all the settings.
Take your time - it will get frustrating.
Now that everything is put back together I got about 1000 miles on it. Got the gear lube changed at about 500 miles. No problems. No funny sounds. Works great.
BTW I've also installed locker on the back along with changing gears.
Good luck with your project.
What did you use to press your bearings on/off?
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 3
From: Phoenix, Arizona
To pull the bearing off I've used the clam shell type of bearing puller
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUPER...motiveQ5fTools
This puller kicks a__. Super easy to use and save me a lot of greif trying to do this any other way.
To press them back on I've made me a press. Don't have any pictures, but it looks like a steel window frame - roughly 30" x 30". And the bottle jack.
Something like this
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-ton-shop-press-4711.html
but not adjustable and I just put the bottle jack on the bottom and press against the top part.
Yeah, I had to make few tools myself. But the project was fun. I've learned a lot and am ready to do another axle when the time comes.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUPER...motiveQ5fTools
This puller kicks a__. Super easy to use and save me a lot of greif trying to do this any other way.
To press them back on I've made me a press. Don't have any pictures, but it looks like a steel window frame - roughly 30" x 30". And the bottle jack.
Something like this
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-ton-shop-press-4711.html
but not adjustable and I just put the bottle jack on the bottom and press against the top part.
Yeah, I had to make few tools myself. But the project was fun. I've learned a lot and am ready to do another axle when the time comes.