[gearheadjlm]

Alright well it's not a write up....yet

This week end I plan on doing my regear and installing my lockers.

I have the Dana 30 front and D44 rear.

I am installing Yukon Gear 4.10's and and the master install kits for both axles.

I also have Richmond Gear Lock Right Locker for both axles.


Alright here's the deal. This will be my first install and I am confident I can do it and do it right, I have the tools and resources, as well as a decent amount of knowledge and common sense. What I need to know is basic things that may be particular to this application. Also are there any other reputable write ups that anyone knows about? I also plan on installing new ball joints, rear wheel bearing and some new brakes since it'll all be apart. What else should I do? What should I make sure I have before I get started?

I would like to make sure I am prepared and can do a good job, and want to do a complete write up of everything that I learn. So any advice would be great. Thanks.



-Joe

[nicolas-eric]

if you never installed gears before, please don´t do it alonw, call a friend that did it before to help you. if you do only one very little failure that can damege your new gears after onl a few miles.

[gearheadjlm]

Originally Posted by nicolas-eric

if you never installed gears before, please don´t do it alonw, call a friend that did it before to help you. if you do only one very little failure that can damege your new gears after onl a few miles.

I understand this. I am very "mechanically inclined" (at least I like to believe so ) , just never set up a Ring and Pinion in a automotive application. Like I said I have the resources just want to be familiar with things before I even touch it with a wrench. Specifics to a 98 TJ with a d30 and d44....

[newbs]

Honestly re gearing is not for a novice at all, as for the dana 30 why ot pickup a used one already geared to 4.10 since they are plentiful. Also the reason there not many write-up's on changing gears is because of the difficulty involved and risk of damage and lack of tools.

[yellj]

You have an inch pound wrench, calipers, tool to measure backlash, 250 lb torque wrench. Not to dampen your enthusiasm, but odds of success without someone that did before at least to guide you ,are low. Done 4 sets, each time doing more and on the last one did it all, still with an experienced guy looking over my shoulder and answering questions and checking my work. If you are going to do a locker and gears and ball joints, get a D30HP housing, you will need to exchange gears for reverse cut, but will end up with a front axle as strong as a Rubi 44. Also much easier to pull the axle rather than work underneath. Good luck

[elkfan2]

Looks like a fun project good luck. Don't worry about what all the others say about not setting up gears yourself if you're mechanicly inclined and have the proper tools it's not bad. I would applaud you for doing it yourself and not paying someone to do it like 90% of the people on this forum that way you can say you built your jeep.

[Dogman]

This is a good write-up: http://www.rockfrogs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=964

There is also a good one on www.pirate4x4.com, let me see if I can dig it up.

EDIT: http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/

[tcox]

do you have a 20 ton press in your shop? your gonna need it to do the bearings on the pinion. i tried to do it when i had my 8.8 out of the jeep and couldnt figure it out for the life of me and i am very mechanically inclined (at least i think so too). like everybody has said, if you have a friend who has done it then make sure they can come over and make sure you both have time to do it....like 6 hrs or so. chances are you wont get it right the first time you plop it together.


you could always try to do the front first and if you get it right move on to the back. cause if you start on the back, and you cant get it right and give up, your probably gonna not want to put all the old stuff back in place to drive it to get it done

[highrisetj39.5]

Set Up Bearings!!!!!

[binski]

x2 on the set up bearings!

Like the OP, I did my own regear on my last '97 TJ with a D30 and D35 and no previous experience . . . but a lot of research and prep. I applaude the initiative

I had regeared from the 3.07 to 3.73 (nothing radical), but had to also change out both housings. Added an Aussie Locker up front and a Trutrac to the D35.

Key point is to take your time and don't settle for "almost" on spacing / lash adjustments. Keep at it until your patterns are clear and near perfect ... don't rush! The setup bearings are a real plus to have (in fact I may have my set from the D30 if you need it).

Best of luck!

Binski

[geauxturbo]

its not bad at all.. the press is usually the hardest thing to get your hands on.. but even without one, you can put on the new bearings. Just stick your carrier in the freezer and put the bearings in the bbq pit. They'll nearly fall on. Couple taps with the right sized pipe to make sure they are all the way seated.

Set up bearings are a must for the 30.. that'll save you a ton of time and effort and bearings When getting my pattern, I used a drill and placed my hand on the ring gear to for friction, spun the pinion nut with the drill to get a real nice clear pattern. A Lot easier than turning it with a wrench 400 times.