msrorysddad
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Texas
read, and take your time. It's not rocket science, just close.I use a calibrated hammer
How do I install gears?
- Thread starter Kevinma255
- Start date
ROKRWLR
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Arvada, CO
I just did a set of gears for my rear 60. This is the third Jeep I have done gears on, so that's the 6th axle I've done.
Here's what I learned. (many things have already been said)
1) Patience.
I rushed my first set on my CJ7, and didn't clean everything properly. On that one, the mesh was fine, but I forgot to thread lock the carrier bearing cap bolts and one backed out after about a month trashing a gear set. If you are using set up bearings, a spreader, etc, it doesn't take much time to pull everything out and try a different shim combo to get a better pattern.
Don't rush the install. Be prepared to not finish the job on the day you started (especially if this is your first time). You very well may encounter something you weren't prepared for. Rushing it because you are running out of time is the best way to miss something that may give you problems down the road.
2) Find as many instructions as you can and read them multiple times. I used the Billa Vista write up on pirate this time and I think it's the most complete free one.
3) Don't try to do the gears on the car.
It doesn't take much to pull your axle, and it is a hell of a lot easier to sit on a stool over the axle on jack stands than laying on your side trying to work. (especially the first set when you are learning)
4) If you are re-gearing an axle that uses carrier preload shims, make or borrow a case spreader.
It will cost about $20 to build one from parts at the hardware store (assuming access to a welder). This last axle is the first one I had a spreader for and I will never do gears without a spreader again. - This doesn't apply if you have threaded preload adjusters (like an 8.25). On my 8.25 I welded a nut that fit it on a 3' length of steel tube to make an adjuster wrench and adjusted from the wheel end of the axle.
Definitely use set up bearings.
Keep a log of shim stacks while you are setting mesh patterns. (nicluding preload, backlash, etc.)
Don't forget to apply pressure to the yoke or ring gear when to check the pattern.
Clean everything well with brake cleaned, and threadlock your bolts!
You really should use a inch-lb torque wrench to set pinion preload properly. I picked one up cheap on eBay for this axle, and it was a great tool to have.
Doing gears is really not that hard, and if you read the writeups enough times until you start to understand reading the mesh pattern and how to adjust it. If you can install a lift and have the right tools, you can install a set of gears.
Here's what I think you need (minimum):
Make sure you have all of the sockets you need (Pinion nuts are usually bigger than your standard sockets, and sometimes you need a thin wall one to fit in the yoke)
A tool to holt the yoke while you tighten the pinion nut
Torque Wrench (ft lb)
Torque Wrench (in lb)
Calipers
Magnetic Mount Dial Indicator
Dead Blow Hammer
Punches or bearing race / seal drivers (Get the cheap Harbor Freight set they work great)
Time
Good Luck!
Here's what I learned. (many things have already been said)
1) Patience.
I rushed my first set on my CJ7, and didn't clean everything properly. On that one, the mesh was fine, but I forgot to thread lock the carrier bearing cap bolts and one backed out after about a month trashing a gear set. If you are using set up bearings, a spreader, etc, it doesn't take much time to pull everything out and try a different shim combo to get a better pattern.
Don't rush the install. Be prepared to not finish the job on the day you started (especially if this is your first time). You very well may encounter something you weren't prepared for. Rushing it because you are running out of time is the best way to miss something that may give you problems down the road.
2) Find as many instructions as you can and read them multiple times. I used the Billa Vista write up on pirate this time and I think it's the most complete free one.
3) Don't try to do the gears on the car.
It doesn't take much to pull your axle, and it is a hell of a lot easier to sit on a stool over the axle on jack stands than laying on your side trying to work. (especially the first set when you are learning)
4) If you are re-gearing an axle that uses carrier preload shims, make or borrow a case spreader.
It will cost about $20 to build one from parts at the hardware store (assuming access to a welder). This last axle is the first one I had a spreader for and I will never do gears without a spreader again. - This doesn't apply if you have threaded preload adjusters (like an 8.25). On my 8.25 I welded a nut that fit it on a 3' length of steel tube to make an adjuster wrench and adjusted from the wheel end of the axle.
Definitely use set up bearings.
Keep a log of shim stacks while you are setting mesh patterns. (nicluding preload, backlash, etc.)
Don't forget to apply pressure to the yoke or ring gear when to check the pattern.
Clean everything well with brake cleaned, and threadlock your bolts!
You really should use a inch-lb torque wrench to set pinion preload properly. I picked one up cheap on eBay for this axle, and it was a great tool to have.
Doing gears is really not that hard, and if you read the writeups enough times until you start to understand reading the mesh pattern and how to adjust it. If you can install a lift and have the right tools, you can install a set of gears.
Here's what I think you need (minimum):
Make sure you have all of the sockets you need (Pinion nuts are usually bigger than your standard sockets, and sometimes you need a thin wall one to fit in the yoke)
A tool to holt the yoke while you tighten the pinion nut
Torque Wrench (ft lb)
Torque Wrench (in lb)
Calipers
Magnetic Mount Dial Indicator
Dead Blow Hammer
Punches or bearing race / seal drivers (Get the cheap Harbor Freight set they work great)
Time
Good Luck!
5spd_xj
<<the good ol days
- Location
- Dracut, MA
^^^VERY good post!! quite informative and comprehensive! 
Muddy90XJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Lincoln, NE
^^^I agree 100%. If you take your time and have patience it can be done. I did the 4.56's in my Jeep 6 months ago and it was a great learning experience. You will be surprised how much you learn and how much better the 2nd axle goes. I also used the Bill Vista write-up as well as the instructions that came with the gears.
tdavXJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- South Jordan, Utah
This is off topic but im kinda in a hurry. I have 3.55 gears and im going to 4.56 with out any lockers for right now will i have to replace the carriers?
RCP Phx
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Phoenix,Az
It depends onthe axle.D30-yes,D35-yes,C8.25-no
5spd_xj
<<the good ol days
- Location
- Dracut, MA
d44 yes as well...
tdavXJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- South Jordan, Utah
Alright thanks
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