Hey guys, helping my old man out with his truck, currently rebuilding the front end. Literally if it moves it's getting replaced.

Just one easy question for now. Popped the diff carrier out because we need to change the inner axle tube seals, and found one of the bearings had the hard surface coming off. We intend to keep the same carrier and ring/pinion, there were no shims when it came off. Is it fair enough to say that I can simply replace the bearings on just the carrier and this will not adjust any of the end play set by the pinion or case play? The diff wasn't easy sliding out that's for sure.

 

You can install it exactly the way it came out as long as you don't remove the pinion.

it's never a bad idea to check the contact patch with marking paint though, to ensure things are not worn or someone else didn't go in there and Jack everything up.

 

I haven't had a Dana 60 apart, but if the bearings are tapered roller bearings they will be part of the axial stack-up that sets the side-to-side position of the ring gear so replacing one (or both) would require reshimming the carrier. of course you'll find out if that's necessary when you check the contact patch after reassembling it.

If it's a ball bearing it may or may not provide axial positioning, and if it's a straight roller it will likely not affect axial position.

 

The shims are under the the bearing,that is pressed onto the carrier. Replace the bearing with the same shim pack and it'll be fine. I'd prob check backlash just for the hell of it.

 

Sweet thanks for the help, I thought those were the shims under the bearings but I couldn't quite tell. What's the easiest way to get the old bearing out? I've seen some people say press, and others say dremel til mostly cut, then punch. I want to be careful not to damage the shims.

 

A bearing splitter and a press is the accepted way, but cutting it will work.

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...aring+splitter