Drive train swapout

gumby · 08-03-2004, 12:23 PM

I have a cj-7 with the AMC 20 rear and Dana 30 front. it has 35's on it. sooooo I bought 4:56 gears front and back for it ,and have solid axels for the rear and detroit locker rear and true trac front
how hard is this to install by myself. The guy I had lined up to do this job just deployed to Iraq for 6 Mo. I am very knowleable with tools and have done complete engine rebuilds and other such projects but have 0 experience with rearends. I hear lots of horror stories about shims and preloads

gosupes · 08-03-2004, 06:35 PM

You will need some special tools like a dial indicator for backlash adjustment. I don't think it is all that hard if you just take your time and not take any shortcuts. If you can get your hands on an OEM type field service manual, so much the better. If things are not set-up right you can grenade the whole assembly. Also get axle rebuild kits which should have the shims and crush sleeve and I guess you have the marking ink came with the gears. If you're willing to try it, read up. There might be some good info on-line also.

cj-tj-hybrid · 08-03-2004, 06:47 PM

Setting up gears is VERY difficult. I did it once and don't recomend it. I watched the guy at the shop do the rear, then I went home and did the front myself. It took him about an hour. It took me about 8 and I still wasn't happy with the 'pattern' I was getting on the ring gear. If you don't have the money for labor, go for it! But if you can come up with the $700 or so a shop will want to put that stuff in, have them do it.

roxorjeeper · 08-03-2004, 06:52 PM

I have done the pre setup with a freind and we did an ok job. Just reada lot if u plan on doing this

08-03-2004, 06:47 PM	#3
cj-tj-hybrid Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 14 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Setting up gears is VERY difficult. I did it once and don't recomend it. I watched the guy at the shop do the rear, then I went home and did the front myself. It took him about an hour. It took me about 8 and I still wasn't happy with the 'pattern' I was getting on the ring gear. If you don't have the money for labor, go for it! But if you can come up with the $700 or so a shop will want to put that stuff in, have them do it. __________________ 85 cj-7 Chevy 350, T-176, D-300 3" Superlift 33-12.5-15 Super Swamper TSL's TJ flares, mirrors, and soft top [COLOR=yellow][SIZE=4]Yellow Jeep Club Member #1008[/SIZE][/COLOR] [url]http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?showSlide=true&Uc=ulywxsf.7cc6wz6n&Uy=voej9t&Upost_signin=BrowsePhotos.jsp%3fshowSlide%3dtrue&Ux=0[/url]

08-03-2004, 06:52 PM	#4
roxorjeeper Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: minnesota/colorado Posts: 58 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Is it really that hard I have done the pre setup with a freind and we did an ok job. Just reada lot if u plan on doing this __________________ Eat, Sleep, Drink and Bleed JEEP.[QUOTE] Redneck Jeep Club Member#21