Gear installation
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2005
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Gear installation
I just purchased a set of 4.56 gears for my truck (96 f-150 w/78 front end). I have removed differntials and rings and pinions before but always have reinstalled the factory gears. When installing these new gears, will anything be different than before? I was told i may need some special tools. I figure as long as everything fits in snug and everything turns properly it should be fine, but i just wanna be sure.
Thanks,
Will
Thanks,
Will
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
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Originally Posted by OffRoadF-150
I just purchased a set of 4.56 gears for my truck (96 f-150 w/78 front end). I have removed differntials and rings and pinions before but always have reinstalled the factory gears. When installing these new gears, will anything be different than before? I was told i may need some special tools. I figure as long as everything fits in snug and everything turns properly it should be fine, but i just wanna be sure.
Thanks,
Will
Thanks,
Will
New User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 21
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It can be a bit tricky reading the mesh pattern if you don't know what you're looking for. I've found it's good to take your time and play with it a bit, moving it to the extremes until you get a better feel for what a centered pattern should really look like. Other guys might not agree, but I always find that chasing the coast side pattern can be an exercise in futility, so focus on the drive side and don't get too hung up if the coast side isn't just picture perfect.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: WA
the least you would need in tools is an inch pound torque wrench (for measuring bearing preload), a ft lb torque wrench, a micrometer (for measuring shims) and a mag base dial indicator (for measuring your backlash). You'll need a shim kit to adjust the new gears. As 59f100 said, concentrate on the drive pattern and get your backlash right.
If that front end is a dana 44 you will need to take it somewhere to get the bearings pressed on. A set of setup bearings make the whole process easier. Either way, its a PITA.
If that front end is a dana 44 you will need to take it somewhere to get the bearings pressed on. A set of setup bearings make the whole process easier. Either way, its a PITA.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Roseburg, OR
I've heard of people just eyeballing the drive pattern and "feeling" the backlash, but even if you think you can do that close enough, you really do need to get the preload on the pinion bearings correct or you'll have problems there. I think for at least the rear end, I'd take it in to a shop, or better yet, a friend who can show you how to do it. The front end -and someone might disagree with me- you might be allowed a little more room for slight error, simply because it won't be turning very often.
Postmaster
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From: WA
Originally Posted by beeboy
If that front end is a dana 44 you will need to take it somewhere to get the bearings pressed on.
Elder User
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Originally Posted by OffRoadF-150
Removing the diff and bolting on the ring and istalling the pinion in place wont do the job?