Will I need a new carrier?

CJ7Danny · 10-02-2002, 02:14 PM

Looking to ditch the 2.73's in exchange for a set of 3.54's in my model 20 and dana 30.

I thought I would be able to do this without having to get a new carrier for either the front or the rear. However, one of the local shops seems to think that I will need a new carrier for the rear only.

So, they're wanting 650/diff, including parts and labor. If I have to get a new carrier, thats another 385 - 400 bones.

Does anyone know if these guys are correct, or just feeding me a line of BS to squeeze another 400 green backs out my pocket? Nonetheless, the price seems pretty damn high as well.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Even better, is there anyone that lives in the Georgia area that can set up gears?

Dano

**RockJeep** · 10-02-2002, 02:25 PM

Is the store you speak of either one of these, 4wheel parts performance center or 4 wheel parts center. Both are on buford highway in Norcross. 385-400 for just a stock type carrier is ridiculous. for that kind of money it should be at least a locker or limited slip. I did some research and it looks like they must have priced you a tru trac limited slip. For the front you do not need a carrier change. but for the rear 20 you do need a change. check out www.4wd.com for prices on carrier,spider gears, bearing setup kits, ring and pinion to compare prices. setup charge is usually anywhere from 150-300 for a rear and 200-400 for the front(have to take more apart.)
BTW 3.54 gears are common in many stock cj's, in fact i just sold a complete 30 front and 44 rear narrow track w/3.54's for 350 bucks. If i were you i'd look around and getting some axles w/the gears in them already. or if you change your gears and ever plan on going w/bigger tires like 33's i'd get at least 4.10's.
good luck,
Bob

CJ7Danny · 10-02-2002, 02:42 PM

Bob,

Thanks for the info. It was neither one of those places. It was Southern Gear in Smyrna, Ga.

I'll take a look around for a set of complete diff's. I don't think I want to go with a lower R&P than 3.54. My buddy has 3.73's in his D44's, turning 33's, with the T176 tranny, and 258, and he turns around 2800 RPMs at 70 mph.

Granted, 70mph is about all the fast I want to go, but I want to turn a slightly lower RPM.

I would think that around 200-300 bucks an end is the right price to have a shop set up the gears. This being the case, they're either charging a helluva lot of cash for the actual gears or damn proud of their work. I should have asked, but the guy I was talking to didn't exactly impress me with his knowledge, so I was kinda turned off.

**RockJeep** · 10-02-2002, 03:53 PM

Yeah I'd definately look around for some diffs. I'll keep my eyes open for you too. What year is your 7? i.e narrow or wide track? if you still want yours setup in the end try the two stores i mentioned.
good luck,
bob

CJ7Danny · 10-02-2002, 06:57 PM

Bob,

Thanks for keeping an eye out for me! Its a wide track (1985)

I've priced 4 wheel parts wholesale as well. I don't know why they call themselves "wholesalers", there's more than enough mark up in there prices to be considered "retailers". Its the same store being called 4 wheel parts performance center.

Thanks,

Danny

jeepdaddy2000 · 10-02-2002, 11:08 PM

You can save your self some cash by dropping and gutting your axle housings(leave the pinion and carrier in). Then all you have to pay for is the labor for the set up. Shouldn't be more than a couple of hours for each one. As for the carrier, check with the local wrecking yards, you should be able to get into a used open diff. for under 100$. You didn't say what engine or tire size your running, but 2800@70 is about right. Remember, a Jeep has the same wind resistance as a brick. This is especially true with oversized tires and smaller engines. Here are a couple local(to me) shops that can help. Rusty's 4x4 541-779-1339: Southern Oregon 4x4(Jeep specialties) 541-826-1349.

CJ7Danny · 10-03-2002, 08:12 AM

I just found a set of used wide track diffs (model 20, dana 30), with 3.54's in them. The guy is asking 400 bucks for the pair. They'll prolly need new brakes and all that stuff, but I figure I could bolt on my existing hardware.

If I go take a look at these things, any pointers that you guys could give me, things to make sure to look at and know that I'm not getting the shaft on the diffs. Idealy, I would like to clean these up and simply bolt them in place.

Should I take the time to remove the diff cover and inspect internally?

Thanks,

D

**RockJeep** · 10-03-2002, 08:35 AM

i'd say pull the cover to make sure nothing is broken, chipped or just plain worn out. if you do hold the ring gear still with your hand then move the pinion by turning it back and forth. there will be some play but shouldn't be much. Wheel bearings and stuff like that are easy to fix, plus you have your axles for other parts, just make sure the gears are good.
later
bob

CJ7Danny · 10-03-2002, 09:13 AM

Sounds good! Thanks for the tips.