UPDATE.....BTW it was 2 threads all about daddy. Dont know how one could mistaken that but this is DF can say be what ever you want.

 

I see USA Standard gears is alittle cheaper than Yukon. Is there a difference in quality though? I'm trying to keep a budget build too but I don't wanna go cheap and something going wrong or wearing out fast down the road.

 

USA Gear make good quality parts. Many have used them, I haven't see any major problems that weren't related to an improper install.

You pay more for the Yukon gears, because they have the Yukon name on the box.......

 

Thanks for tellin me that man! I'm gunna go the more cheaper route since they still made good product then.

 

Uh oh the DF pic police is after me...good thing I picked up the stuff yesterday or someone on the internet might think im a fake.

+1 on what HeyYou said. Yukon is Standard Gear, not sure if they are seconds or not but the companies are one and the same. The quality of the sets I got look great and reviews seem to be excellent. On Rock Auto, the info page states:

Had only seen that note on Rock Auto but I'm not deterred at all even if they do turn out a bit noisy. My rear end currently has either shot pinion or carrier bearings and the loud howling / scraping went away after the exhaust went on. I'm sure a little gear noise would be quieter than the howl.

Anyway, here's some pics of what I picked up



D44 on the left, 9.25 on the right


Motive master install for the rear


Minor install for the front


All looks good except the 122K Ratech kit for the front was not what I was expecting. It came with a pinion nut, pinion seal, pinion shims, carrier shims, ring gear bolts, and a diff cover gasket which I expected. Summit's site said included a crush sleeve, but it does not; instead it includes two additional packs of shims. Looking at Ratech's site, it says those two shims packs are for between the bearing and pinion head (1) and between the bearing cup and housing (2). Seems like this kit is for use with a solid spacer but I really don't know. Really confused as to where all these shims go as there are 3 different shim packs for the pinion alone. I'm confused with #1129 and #1114 found on the site below which are the pinion shims I was sent:

http://www.ratechmfg.com/dana.htm

Any idea what they're for? All I wanted was a crush sleeve, so Summit will be getting a call about misinformation. I'll try and give Ratech a call and see how what they gave me is supposed to work

 

Dana 44 don't use crush sleeves. The pinion bearing preload is set with shims.

 

Bingo. Rescue35 nailed it. +1


Here is a picture to help as it's the same for all Dana axles...





The large diameter (inner) shim is b/t the housing and the inner pinion cup (Item 2).

The smallest shim is outer shim b/t pinion shoulder and bearing (Item 1).




I highly suggest you make setup bearings from your old bearings.

1. Setup Carrier bearings. 2 total
2. Inner Pinion CUP that goes to the housing.

I used a flapper wheel on an air tool to make them. Use on a high speed drill.




I suggest the following tools...

for measuring old/new shims --



Dial Indicator like on here



D44 FSM


Unless there is something different about a "minor" install kit...? I've only regeared 2.5x, so not an expert here.

 

oh yeah and this kind of torque wrench for pinion preload



here is my tracking sheet to give an idea of layout

 

Now I'm confused. I've had my head in the FSM for some time now and all I see in the 216 FBI (D44) section is reference to a collapsible spacer, seen here:



The 248 and 267 RBI axle sections show use of a crush sleeve as well with no reference to shims. The only axle in the FSM that appears to have pinion pre-load shims is the 286 RBI (Dana 80):



Not doubting either of your expertise but at the same time I have difficulty arguing with the manual. I am reading out of the one for my 97 if that makes a difference.

@Wh1te: I've got a tool list, some of which I have and some I don't:

Have:
-tool C-4164 for side adjusters on 9.25
-micrometer / caliper
-dial indicator
-in lb torque wrench

Don't have yet:
-case spreader for D44 (will be fabbing)
-bearing pullers
-seal drivers / race installers

I will definately be making dummy pinion bearings for the rear, but I'll have to get used to pressing on the carrier / pinion bearings for the front end as I'll be using the old ones.

 

Can't wait to you get them things in there. Once my hours pick back up at work, I'm getting them dang things ordered cause I want some power.