Will the gears out of my 86 4x4, fit in my 87 2x4? Looking to make my 87 a 4x4, a little at a time.

 

you talking rear axle? if so just swap the rear axles..then when u do the front make sure the gears in the front match the rear.

if they are the same axle then yes they will fit..should be a 7.5 axle in the rear

 

yeah, its the rear. would'nt it be easier to just swap "chunks". I was coinserned about the 87 have ABS on it. Just was tring aviod any surprises. I'll get to the frount end and transfercase next, allready got the shifter in.

 

> would'nt it be easier to just swap "chunks"

No, not on a 7.5 axle.

 

I don't understand, it only took 20 minutes to get the one out of the 86. Is there something i'm missing? Only trouble i can see is that it won't be shimed out right in the other housing. Otherwise you would have to deal with rusty bolts and brake lines.

 

If you just took out the carriers and ring gear you still need to swap pinions. And you are correct it won't be shimmed corectly. "If" the 7.5 has the shims on the outside of the carrier you should have kept them on the same side and will need to keep those shims with the axles they came out of. Then swap the ring gears. Carefull knocking the old good one off as you can damage them.

The pinion does have the shim under the bearing. You have to pull the bearing (they are pressed on and require special tools). Then re-use the old shim or install another of the same thickness. Then install a new pinion bearing. You will also need a new crush sleeve. After you install it all back together you will still need to run a pattern and check back lash. Check pre load on the pinion bearing.

If you can get the 86 axle cleaned up and back in the way it came out I would do that and switch whole axle assys.

Now if you have a press and bearing pullers, dial indicator, inch pound torque wrench, and want to start setting up gears then go for it. I have all my gear stuff done by a friend who has done it professionally for years and years. He has the "feel" for doing them. You'll need the new pinion bearing (they are damaged when removed and must be replaced), new crush sleeve, and pattern marking compound. And the most important thing is the knowledge of what to look for.

 

yeah, i'm aware of all of that, i've set up many rearends on big trucks. I feel it will be easier just to swap gears, thanks for your help. I'll let you know how it turns out.