Just about to recieve my new 4.88's for my 2nd gen. I am seriously thinking about doing it myself. I have nearly all the equipment needed and have done a serious amount of reading up on it. It doesnt seem that complicated. Just need to take your time and be very careful setting the preload on the crush sleeve. Thought i might get your opinions. Do you think i should tackle it myself at the risk of wrecking my gears or get a pro to do it. All opinions welcome!
Cheers
Del

 

i am pretty mechanicly inclined, but i wouldnt screw with my own r&p

 

I've never done it myself, but if you have all the tools and know how to do it and don't mind risking having to do it again soon, then go for it. Every gear installer had a first time right? It would be nice to have a teacher show you how the first few times, but the "College of hard knocks" is one way to learn too. Maybe before you install the 3rd member you could find an expert to check out your work for you. If you did a good job he may want to hire you.

 

Here is an interesting discussion on a pro installation: http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showfl...t=1#Post714804

 

get a spare 3rd member to do the install in. that way if you screw up or whatever, you can still drive your vehicle.

 

i set up my 5.29's in the runner, the backlash and preload are the easy part, it took about 6 times trying different pinion shims to get a pattern that i liked, the second diff only took 2 because i used what i got on the rear diff for a guideline for the front, and i guess i did a good job, because they are quiet, and ive beat the crap out of them and there good so far

 

The beauty of owning a Toy is the 3rd member. Set the gears yourself then take the complete 3rd to a shop and have them check the pattern, lash, and overall install for issues. Make sure you are watching them when they do this so you can make sure your technique is correct.

 

So most of you five out of 4000 seem to think i'd be better getting it done by a pro. I guess i might find a pro and get a price for it and then decide. Dont fancy spending too much money on a job that might not even be done right by them, considering how most mechanics do service jobs, etc.

 

I agree with Mickdady, Set it up youreself, and then take it to someone and have it checked out. Also do as much reading and research so you at least feel confident in doing the job right.

 

I would listen maybe to Mt. Goat since the R&P is not exactly on the easy scale for even us mechanics. My first semester in school hardly anyone could even set one up just right, but after I had guidance at work from a Master Technician I finally got the hang of it, but I still wouldn't do my own without a professional on hand.

 

Right, its 50/50 at the moment. Think i'm gonna do it myself and get it checked by a pro later. Should cost a lot less. Only thing i have to do now is fab up a press. Wish me luck!
Del

 

hey, del, I just found this site
Hope it helps you out. Good luck

 

i finally got sick of everyone telling me that you can't do it yourself and decided that i'm installing my own gears. after that, the only uncharted territory for me will be tranny rebuilding...

 

Haha. Me too. I will be tearing apart my old w-56 this week for a toatal rebuild. I have a friend that has a lot of experience with trannys and gears, so he will be matching over my shoulder I figure after rebuilding a t-case and gear intalls, that a tranny cant be too hard

 

Thanks Seaflea. I found that site last week and have saved every write-up . Its a really great site. I also purchase the r&p installation video from Richmond. The gearinstalls site actually has more precise info. I've ordered my bearing separator and inch/lb torque wrench. Just have to build my press and then i'm ready. I feel exactly like you and kyle. If someone tells me i cant do something, it makes me more determined!
Wish me luck!
Del

 

Im going to try to do my own also, but i have a spare rear member to use.

i think i can do it, ive done alot of reading up on it, just seems like it will take forever.
wade

 

I reckon about a day per unit, not including removal of third! Not too bad!