I need to do the carrier bearings in the rear end of my '03 Ram.

I didn't see a DIY for it, so if anyone has one, or knows of one, that would be awesome.

There is a possibility of the ring and pinion gears being worn or damaged at this point. I see a number of older threads saying 4.56's are preferred for trucks with 35's or taller.

I think I qualify for the upgrade, since I have 35's and tow regularly.

The questions boils down to wondering if I can do the bearings myself, or if I need to get a shop involved.

 

A guillotine bearing puller makes life easy. You can also do it with a dremel tool. They're on there pretty good, but not impossible. If your capable of doing a gear swap and set up, the bearings are a piece of cake... That being said, unless you have experience with setting up diffs, don't touch it yourself. Their very finicky, and it take knowledge, and they will grenade in short order if incorrect...

 

ohh yeah, I almost forgot! 4.56s would be great if your running 35s!

 

You'll never ever cut through a bearing with a dremel. I did my own rear end some time back. Once you understand how things work and how they need to be setup, you can do it. But you will need some speaial tools. Specifically an inch pound beam style torque wench, a ft lb tq wrench that goes up to 250#, a long rod (4ft) or piece off head all thread with a 36mm (O.D.) welded to the end and a shop press capable of pressing on and pulling off new bearings. You will also need a micrometer with magnetic base to measure play.

 

Sorry, a pneumatic grinder with cut off wheel. Done it many times.

 

Maybe on an axle bearing but if you tried that on a pinion bearing you would grind into the back of the pinion gear due to lack of room and how close it is and even with that being said, you still need a way to press on the new bearing.

 

ahh, pinion bearings would be tough. I have cut as far as I could on an axle bearing (it was flush against thw backing plate). Couple whacks with a hammer and cold chisel and off it popped.

To the OP, last time I did the rear end in my dodge, I paid a shop $40 to remove and press on new bearings. Maybe check out that option?

 

Thanks guys. Sorry for the late reply.

My truck has been sitting since I posted. I will get to it this week.

I am only doing the pinion and carrier bearings. Looks pretty straightforward.

A buddy has done a bunch of them, and said they aren't bad at all, as far as rearend work goes.

I'll take some pics as I go, and maybe post my first ever DIY.

 

So I'm 90% done. All bearings pulled and replaces.

The issue I'm having is getting the thrust washers back under the spider gears. I have compressed the clutch packs, but there's just no room for them.

Any ideas?