wanting to install gears in the front axle. found this helpful site to help me not forget a step
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte..._end/teardown/

but i do not have a 54mm socket and was quoted a price of nearly 50 bucks for it (baxter's)!!

i know i can do the rear axle, but since i dont want to deal with buying a socket i will use once OR damaging my cone washers during removal, im wondering if it would be better to have a shop install the front...

what is a fair price for a shop to do this for me?

if i install the rear third (4.88), and temporarily drive it to a shop with 4.10's in front, do i have to disconnect the front driveshaft? or just not put it in 4wd?

 

Buy a 54mm socket and do it yourself.
:

 

I'm sure a shop will cost a heck of alot more then the socket, and they will only install it once.

I got my socket for like $15.00 from some online place years ago.

How do you plan on messing up your cone washers? They aren't a fragile part.

 

Marlin $25
http://www.marlincrawler.com/hardwar...ls/54mm-socket

Trail Gear $14
http://www.trail-gear.com/54mm-spindle-socket

 

marlins is a little more heavy duty being that its a 1/2 drive and powder coated.The trailgears is a 3/8 and not powder coated but for the amount of TQ you but on it and the amount of time you use it. i would just go with the trailgear one.

 

ya i got 5.29s in the back of mine and 4.30s in the front. just dont put it in 4wd. i removed the front drive shaft so i wouldnt forget

 

You can also borrow a buddy's 2 1/8" socket. Works just as well.

 

I will probably be verbally abused for admitting it, but I have many many times used either a 2 1/8" socket or a large flathead screwdriver and hammer to get mine loose and tighten them again with success.

 

Can't use a torque wrench with a flat head screwdriver.

 

Pffff. My forearms are torque wrenches. I am the definition of the shadetree mechanic.

 

Geeeezus....


Use some 2.5" exhaust tubing and make your own...

 

trail gear for the socket $14
harbor freight for the brass punch $8

while im in there, i might as well service my knuckles, right???

i dont have a press, what size socket do i use to set races???
what is the preferred packing grease?

 

You don't need a press.

Numerous write ups online how to service a SFA (4crawler) as well as the FSM at ncttora.