I have searched the forums but was unable to find what i was looking for. Just what is involved in a ring and pinon install as far as special tools/machines? Can it be done without a press or having to machine anything? Thanks, Ike

 

it can be done without a press and unless you replace the bearings... also you need to set backlash and such... this normally inst a do it yourself kinda thing... best left to the pros if you dont know how......

 

Can it be done without a press.... Technically Yes, but would i do it? No way in hell... Some of those bearings you will be putting on and taking off are well over $100 to replace. You will need to have some way to remove and reinstall the pinion bearing (possibly a few times...)

I have done a few different gear setups, and i would deffinately recommend a press. You usually don't have to machine anything.... We used a $100 20 ton Harbor Freight press. Worked like a champ... Also don't forget the bearing splitter (Looks kinda like a clamshell)

Steve

 

Okay, where can i find a good, inclusive write up so i can see if this is something i want to attempt or not. I have a full machine shop to use, but this requires transporting the 3rds to the shop after they are off of the truck. I don't like the idea of someone else working on my truck, let alone shelling out close to a grand for them to do it. I've done a search in this forum and in the offroad tech, and can't find what i am looking for for a write up. Thanks

 

The first set I did, I got my tips from a Randy's Ring and Pinion tutorial tape. It was pretty cheezy, but We got all of the information from that that we needed. Might want to check to see if anyone has something like that. I've passed my copy onto someone else already.

We asked many many people for help, and most said to just pay someone to do it. Almost noone offered any advise and it was very frusterating. So i'll try to give you some tips and some places we screwed up. If this is your first time, plan on your truck being down for 2x3 times longer than you expect. Take your time. And go into it with the mindset that you will be removing and reinstalling that Ring and pinion quite a few times (because you will....) Get a bearing splitter, they are worth their weight in gold ($20-30) Make sure you have a dial indicator on a mag base. Most importantly take your time... Don't rush, and don't take a pattern that is not what you want just because you want it to be done.

Since the first install i did (3 years ago) the truck has had no problems with the diff's that were installed by a group of amatures. I've done 2 other trucks since then and none of them have had any problems either.

BTW if i didn't say it already. Don't rush!!

Steve

 

http://www.gearinstalls.com/

 

I like this one for learning gear contact patterns. Even if you don't set up your own you can learn to check the installers work. http://www.precisiongear.com/pgtechpatterns.htm

 

i've heard FSMs have a pretty decent section on setting gears