Differential swap.

[hoffmandirt]

Hey guys,



I recently purchased a zexel torsen posi unit off ebay and I\'m almost ready to put it in after my 28 spline axles arrive in the mail. I also have a new bearing and seals kit for the rear end. How hard is it to install the new bearings and seals plus the differential? I watched the free video that came with Richmond and it doesn\'t seem bad with the right tools, but I don\'t want to purchase the tools for a one time job. Would it be wise to take it somewhere and let a professional do it or is it possible without these tools. If you guys have any tips or recommendations on this I\'d appreciate it. Also for the bearings and seals in the housing, what tools would you need for them? Thanks.

[grimpuppy]

You will need the tools to set the pinion depth and backlash. I would reccomend getting it done if it is only a one time deal. It cost right at $100 around here to set up a set of gears, the tools will cost you more. But If you get the tools and do it yourself and learn how to do it, you would be surprised at how many times you will do installs for other people and make a little side cash.

[hoffmandirt]

Can you come up with a list of tools I\'ll need? I can never think of the names of them when I\'m searching for them. Thanks.

[grimpuppy]

You will need dial indicator and a base. You will use this to check pinion depth and backlash. They make fixtures for the dial indicator to make checking pinon depth easier or you can make a mag base and extension rods work. If you think you are going to do a few I would spend the money on a nicer setup designed for gear install. It\'s kinda pain to get a cheap base setup right to measure. You will also need an inch-pound torque wrench that is the dial type, not clicker type. You need this to check preload on pinion bearing. You also will need some marking compound to check the contact pattern between the ring and pinion. The rest are common hand tools (air tools make it faster). If you have a normal selection of 1/2\" drive sockets, screwdrivers and wrenches and the like most people have you should be covered.

P.S. also a ft-pound torque wrench (can be a cicker type) and a puller is helpful.

[rayL]

you will never get carrier bearings off with common handtools. You need a bearing splitter and a puller. I use a large two jaw puller hooked onto the bearing splitter. You will also have to beat out the old pinion bearing races and install new ones. So you will also need a bearing race installer kit cause they are two different sizes. Seal puller is helpful but i guess a screwdriver and hammer could work for a one time gig. If its all new stuff then you will prolly need atleast a couple crush sleeves and an assortment of shims. A micrometer is nice to have for checking old shim thickness also.

[Chevysonly]

If you are only installing the posi cage, you won\'t have to change your pinion settings, remove your old cage, install new side bearings on the posi cage (press on) swap the ring gear onto the new posi cage and reinstall it with original shims in their original positions. Check the lash on the ring gear, you will need a dial indicator to check it correctly, if it is ok your done, if it isn\'t you will have to reshim the cage to correct it. If you\'ve never done this type of thing, it would be best to at least have someone help you who has some experience.

[mzoomora]

The way I read it you are planning on replacing all the bearings. If so that can be a lot of work for a first timer. The pinion shim will remain the same, but you have to reset the pinion bearing preload. Also the diff shims will most likely not work with new bearings and a new case, so you will need to reset those. The main tools you need are a in/lb torque wrench, dial indicator, magnetic base, and a big impact used with caution. You need to check you backlash before and after so that it is reset the same way. If the backlash was loose before and you set it tighter it will most likely make a noise. Most places that I know of would get about $250 for that job. You can buy cheaper tools, and you dont need the pinion depth tool if you are reusing the same gear. I would probably reccomend getting it done.

[Scotty_S-15]

Off topic here, but what has happened to the layout of this thread? Unless it\'s just me.....



The last two posts has the text a jammed under the author info, and the text box is empty. Wierd.

[mzoomora]

On 2005-07-26 09:50, Scotty_S-15 wrote:

Off topic here, but what has happened to the layout of this thread? Unless it\'s just me.....



The last two posts has the text a jammed under the author info, and the text box is empty. Wierd.



That happens to me occasionally to, but not on ths one. http://www.s10v8.com/images/smilies/icon_confused.gif