I already have a set of 3.55 gears that I would like to put in my 88 8.8"
I was wondering what this involves, and if I should be able to do it, if there is a manual or instructions avaliable (Gears are used) or if it is something complicated, what price should I expect to pay for it?
P.S. The axle I put up front already has the 3.54 gears, so thats why im only changin one set.
Thanks

 

Katt,
Changing the R&P in your axle is not that tough but you have to perform the procedures to the T.You will need a dial indiacator,michrometer,torque wrench,bearing puller,bench grinder,etc. Make sure to buy a high quality master rebuild kit,otherwise you will be re-using items such as the oil slingers that are not always included in some kits and are usually ruined durring the removal process.I would recommend grinding down your exhisting bearring races by a few .00s and using them as the guides while dialing in your mesh and preload,this will allow you to easily remove the R&P while dialing in your adjustments,(its not perfect but will get you close).Measure your shims coming out of the exhisting set up and combine your available shims to match that set up as a starting point."MOST IMPORTANT" if you dont get a"VERY GOOD" mesh pattern with the marking grease do it over and over again untill its right.Then install the new bearings and races and check the pattern again.
Now the bigger question, I know how much effort you have been putting into this project,you reallize that with the 3.55 ratio you will be limited to how much performance you will be able to achieve as far as tire size and available HP.I would strongly suggest lower gears(4.10 or lower) if you plan on going to any tire sizes above 33".Just a little helpfull input,Ive made some hasty and under-researched costly mistakes with my Wrangler project,in regaurds to gearing,suspension and axle upgrades.Later,
Jeff

 

Unless you have alot of experience and a good mechanical aptitude, this is not a good project to take on. The old niners were simple and doable by a novice. The 8.8s are more complicated, require special tools, and must be worked under the truck instead of pulling out a chunk. If the job is not perfect the gears will whine and premature bearing failure may result. The input shaft nut will require magatorque applied under the truck. A general rule is to never install used gears. New gears cost about $200 and the bearing/shim kit about another $150. Setting up the preloads, gear mesh, and backlash are all jobs that must be perfect. If you are hard over, do all your homework before turning bolt one, and be sure you know what you are in for.

 

A general
>rule is to never install used
>gears. New gears cost about
>$200 and the bearing/shim kit about
>another $150.

hey, i'm pushing 33's, and i KNOW i need some lower gears. in regards to the above quote, would it be a bad idea to swap with a used rear end from a truck wrecking yard?

 

You will need to pop the diff cover off of the axle and inspect it for neglect.The problem with axles is that most owners dont perform propper maintenance on them.Often times you will find signs of water mixed in with gear oil.Also if you purchase a used axle you will have to contend with possibly replacing the inner and outer axle bearings and seals.I would avoid swapping a questionable axle unless,its a swap to a desired upgrade or modification.If you get a fantastic deal on a replacement axle you still may end up doing more work than just replacing the Ring and Pinion.
Jeff

 

>You will need to pop the diff
>cover off of the axle and
>inspect it for neglect.The problem with
>axles is that most owners dont
>perform propper maintenance on them.Often times
>you will find signs of water
>mixed in with gear oil.Also if
>you purchase a used axle you
>will have to contend with possibly
>replacing the inner and outer axle
>bearings and seals.I would avoid swapping
>a questionable axle unless,its a swap
>to a desired upgrade or modification.If
>you get a fantastic deal on
>a replacement axle you still may
>end up doing more work than
>just replacing the Ring and Pinion.
> Jeff


Think H8 is on target here. Buckoos are hard to come by these days, but the safest advise would be to price all new components and see what a good rear axle jock would charge to put them in. Integral differentials really are the exception for us shadetree guys that would not hesitate to do anything else. If you located another axle assembly and it was EXACTLY what you need and it was low $$, and confirmed to be the right ratio, it would be a consideration, but still much work getting into the suspension and brakes. Do agree, you need taller gears. Let us know how you make out. Good Luck