Is it difficult to change the ring and pinion?

itmdave

itmdave

Forum Member
I have never even opened a rear axle and it sound like about $500+ just to swap out the ring and pinion. I want to try different gear ratios to see what works best for me and running to the local shop each time will get expensive. I am told that you need a backlash gauge and maybe some other special tools. And you need to make sure that certain measurements are met. Is this something a backyard mechanic (with at least half a brain) can figure out or is it best left to the pros? Also is buying a used set of gears at a fraction of the cost of new ones OK or should you always buy a new set? Thanks for any input
 
i wouldn't recommend just jumping into it unless you have a pretty good understanding of the full procedure. and unless you have a hoist i recommend removing the rear-end from the car. Installing a ring and pinion gear setup is a about speck's. You have to use accurate measuring tools to set pinion depth, bearing preload and backlash. Its not rocket science but there is some math involved and a hole of of measuring. unless you have the correct tools and know how to use them i recommend paying a pro. but if you do take on the project, pick up a few extra crush sleeves. If you preload the pinion bearing too much you have to disassemble and start again with a new sleeve. here is a list of tools needed for the job. hope this helps.

Dial indicator
Gear marking compound and a clean brush
Calipers or a micrometer
Bearing pullers
Bearing press
Three foot long breaker bar or strong impact gun
Pinion nut socket
Ring gear bolt socket
Carrier cap bolt socket
Pry bars for removing the carrier case
24 oz ball pein
plastic dead blow hammer
Punch for marking carrier caps
Oil drain pan
Foot pounds torque wrench
Inch pounds torque wrench (Dial Type) Revision made to help superstang9085 sleep better at night. lol
 
Last edited:
Thanks I now have a better understanding of the work and knowledg needed maybe a pro would be best.

cobrarwanab said:
i wouldn't recommend just jumping into it unless you have a pretty good understanding of the full procedure. and unless you have a hoist i recommend removing the rear-end from the car. Installing a ring and pinion gear setup is a about speck's. You have to use accurate measuring tools to set pinion depth, bearing preload and backlash. Its not rocket science but there is some math involved and a hole of of measuring. unless you have the correct tools and know how to use them i recommend paying a pro. but if you do take on the project, pick up a few extra crush sleeves. If you preload the pinion bearing too much you have to disassemble and start again with a new sleeve. here is a list of tools needed for the job. hope this helps.

Dial indicator
Gear marking compound and a clean brush
Calipers or a micrometer
Bearing pullers
Bearing press
Three foot long breaker bar or strong impact gun
Pinion nut socket
Ring gear bolt socket
Carrier cap bolt socket
Pry bars for removing the carrier case
24 oz ball pein
plastic dead blow hammer
Punch for marking carrier caps
Oil drain pan
Foot pounds torque wrench
Inch pounds torque wrench
Click to expand...
 
cobrarwanab said:
i wouldn't recommend just jumping into it unless you have a pretty good understanding of the full procedure. and unless you have a hoist i recommend removing the rear-end from the car. Installing a ring and pinion gear setup is a about speck's. You have to use accurate measuring tools to set pinion depth, bearing preload and backlash. Its not rocket science but there is some math involved and a hole of of measuring. unless you have the correct tools and know how to use them i recommend paying a pro. but if you do take on the project, pick up a few extra crush sleeves. If you preload the pinion bearing too much you have to disassemble and start again with a new sleeve. here is a list of tools needed for the job. hope this helps.

Dial indicator
Gear marking compound and a clean brush
Calipers or a micrometer
Bearing pullers
Bearing press
Three foot long breaker bar or strong impact gun
Pinion nut socket
Ring gear bolt socket
Carrier cap bolt socket
Pry bars for removing the carrier case
24 oz ball pein
plastic dead blow hammer
Punch for marking carrier caps
Oil drain pan
Foot pounds torque wrench
Inch pounds torque wrench
Click to expand...

you forgot to add that the inch pound torque wrench needs to be the dial type :D
 
what type of rear ?? i can swapmost R&P for about 150.00 to 180.00...+parts bearings etc ..i also use a solid type pinion spacer when possible
 
It's a GM 8.5" 10 bolt posi with 4.10 gears but will be replaced with 3.42's soon. Thanks for the input

chevelledave said:
what type of rear ?? i can swapmost R&P for about 150.00 to 180.00...+parts bearings etc ..i also use a solid type pinion spacer when possible
Click to expand...
 
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