Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Info on differential or locker installs (front or rear)...

[GOT-Torque]

Anyone have any info (links maybe?) on locker installs or general differential installs? I've done a few (Dana 44, AMC 20, ford 8. 8) just no Dana 60's or 80's? Like to know what to expect when I get them apart.



Do they use shims under the bearings on the carrier?



Also, can I replace my front passenger side axle shaft with a one piece from an 02 truck to do away with the CAD garbage? Any downsides to doing this?



Thanks again...

 

[BILLVO]

D60-80's have shims under the bearings on the carrier, You can buy dummy bearings for setting up preload but I just made my own years ago by using old bearings that I used a flapper wheel to hone inside out so they slide on carrier easy. And yes the passenger side axle swap will work. Only down fall is entire front axle is live all the time and could affect your overall milage a bit. But it gets rid of all the vaccuum lines to and from t-case and to the axle.

 

[GOT-Torque]

BILLVO, any problems related to using old bearings as the dummy set? I would think they would be worn into the bearing cups slightly such that the shims needed may be slightly different?



Also, how is preload handled on these? Do you need a housing spreader to get the differential in and out?

 

[BILLVO]

BILLVO, any problems related to using old bearings as the dummy set? I would think they would be worn into the bearing cups slightly such that the shims needed may be slightly different?



Also, how is preload handled on these? Do you need a housing spreader to get the differential in and out?

You will have a couple thousanths difference either way with dummy or old bearings nothing is made exactly perfect. I have rebiult many over the years and have never needed a case spreader. In fact I worked at a driveline/gearshop and we didn't even own one. Just make sure the races didn't spin in the housing it can wear grooves in the housing where the axle meets the case. In this case It will need a housing cutter to true up the axle housing where the race sits against the tube. Also take caps to a flat belt sander and take a couple thou off the flat sides to give it a better clamp.