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I didn't so much upgrade mine, but I've replaced the axles and taken the diff out to replace the seals inside the diff. A big thing with that is having a helper, and putting the diff in the freezer while you replace the seals.
I didn't so much upgrade mine, but I've replaced the axles and taken the diff out to replace the seals inside the diff. A big thing with that is having a helper, and putting the diff in the freezer while you replace the seals.
Thanks for the fast reply
I'm trying to think positive:
1. it's 9 degrees outside so I've got my freezer for the diff.
2. I have no idea why the diff needs to go in the freezer:
3. How much $ in specialty tools do you think this will cost?
4. What do you think the difficulty rating is on this on a scale of 1-10.
Can you tell I've never done this before....
For some strange reason I think I'm gonna give it a try.........
When mine went out, I replaced it with a used Dana 60. The guy I bought my truck from was running 40 inch tires and it blew the side gear spider gears to pieces.
If you could find a used Dana 60 one matching gears, it might be worth considering. It would depend on how much you have to pay for a used axle. A used Dana 60 cost me $1000 in Alaska. But I suspect you could come into one cheaper where there are more vehicles and more salvage yards.
I've been in and out of differentials a few times. There are a few specialty tools, and some knowledge, required. It's like most things. Easy once you know how to do it. For the first go round, you'll need to study up and research.
You're good to go with the freezer! The freezer helps to actually keep the diff assembly compressed so it goes back into the housing easier. It's a VERY tight fit.
What exactly is wrong with yours and what are you trying to repair?
The specialty tool to mount the inner seals was around $60ish I think. I can mail you mine for use if you need it and then just mail it back.
Difficulty isn't too bad unless you have to replace the diff assembly, then you have to get the spacing right and adjust the backlash. I've never done that part.
You're good to go with the freezer! The freezer helps to actually keep the diff assembly compressed so it goes back into the housing easier. It's a VERY tight fit.
What exactly is wrong with yours and what are you trying to repair?
The specialty tool to mount the inner seals was around $60ish I think. I can mail you mine for use if you need it and then just mail it back.
Difficulty isn't too bad unless you have to replace the diff assembly, then you have to get the spacing right and adjust the backlash. I've never done that part.
Thank you very much for the offer ztodd, I'll keep that in mind.
I'm not sure what is broken or happening yet. Due to lack of motivation and Thanksgiving being right around the corner I haven't had a chance to dig too deep.
Earlier last week I noticed that my 4x4 wasn't engaging. So I checked to make sure I heard the click on the transfer case when engaging into 4x4 and 4x4Low from the cab. Good to go on the click and the 4x4 lights coming on on the dash.
I put the Ex on jacks and lifted her off the ground. Manual Warn hubs unlocked, 2WD, shift lever placed in Drive. Both rear wheels spin as expected.
Next, I locked the manual Warn Hubs, placed it in 4x4, shifted it into Drive. No movement on the front wheels. The drive shaft from the transfer case to the front differential is spinning, but no movement of the axles or anything after the front diff.
The next step guess is pop the diff cover and take a peek - I guess
No problem. If it does turn out to be the spider gears I'd be curious to know what exactly you were doing, I was playing in the snow with my 38s all spinning and she caught traction. Talk about a loud distinctive pop.
sorry to take so long to reply, Thanksgiving and the cold weather made for a busy week.
Anyhow, my problem turned out to be one of the Warn Premium hubs, everything looked good in the front diff, the passenger side hub would sometimes lock and sometimes not. I didn't realize that if one side doesn't lock you loose both. Hubs got sent out to Warn for warranty replacement.
Dana 50 parts breakdown
04-15-2011, 10:12 PM
