86 Ford 4x4 F 350

37 chief · Aug 27, 2021

Has anyone ever replaced the ring, and pinion on a 4x4 front axle, or rear axle? How did it work out? Did you buy the special tools? Stan

timcasbolt · Aug 28, 2021

(quoted from post at 23:40:21 08/27/21) Has anyone ever replaced the ring, and pinion on a 4x4 front axle, or rear axle? How did it work out? Did you buy the special tools? Stan

've changed the ring and pinion on many vehicles. If you take your time and make absolutely sure you've got a good pattern with the correct backlash, it works out fine every time. As for special tools, a dial indicator with magnetic base is your friend.

kito169 · Aug 28, 2021

I changed a Jeep Rubicon from 4:10 t0 5:38 several years ago. I didn't need any special tools but the lockers worked the opposite of what I thought they did so I had to disassemble and then reassemble the right way.

Steve@Advance · Aug 28, 2021

I've done several over the years.

No really special tools required, but they make things easier. A press and the tools for pressing bearings on and off is needed.

There are several different designs, some are more difficult than others, especially the ones with the carrier is shimmed and no adjustment nuts. The housing needs to be spread and the proper shims installed. The shims are ground plates, not cut out of shim stock, so you need an assortment of shims or have to guess, sourcing and buying them to get the right combination.

It is not a job for a novice! Everything must be right for it to run quiet and have a long life. New gears are more forgiving, every time I tried reusing old gears, it howled.

The easiest and most economical route is to find a good used one, clean it up, check it out, replace the pinion seal, but don't dismantle it.

86 Ford 4x4 F 350

37 chief

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timcasbolt

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kito169

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Steve@Advance

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