2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Is it really this easy? (Dana 70)

[TMills]

http://www.4x4wire.com/dodge/reviews/7080lockright/



I found this article on installing a locker into a dana 70. I am not interested in installing a locker, my truck came with limited slip. I am interested in swaping gears up to 4. 10. Is the assembly and disassembly of the carrier really as easy as they make it sound? Every site that I go to says you have to have a case spreader and a measuring device at the least. Also, while we are on the subject. What needs to be replaced when doing a ring and pinion swap on an axle with 130,000 miles? Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Todd

 

[Nate]

That looks like a D80 to me, not a D70.



Pulling it apart is cake, but installing it properly take a bit of know how.



Installing a locker isn't too bad... all new gears, bearings, etc is more work.

 

[BILLVO]

As far as tools you will need a dial indicator. But the spreader is not needed. I worked in a gear shop for 3 years and have done driveline work for many more years and have never seen the need for a case spreader. You can get complete rebuild kits that have all you need all bearings and seals and new shims. Shop around the price for these are not bad. probably under $150

 

[carfichris]

Dana 70

TMills

From your post it sounds like your NOT going to do the locker. Having recently went through 3 70's I would surely rebuild the Powr-Lok. The kit for that was $80 locally here. There is a Dana 70 thread on here with pic's of the carnage from my Powr-Lok coming apart and details of how it was fixed. I had 170,000 hard miles on it and the bearings,R&P and Powr-Lok could have all kept going had it not grenaded. There was no need for a case spreader on my 3 70's but thats not to say you wouldnt need one, all depends on how tight it's in there. It would be better to have one and not need it then to need it and not have one. New ring gear bolts would also be something I changed if your swapping for a new gear, cheap insurance in my opinion. Based on your 130k and my 170K and countless others getting good life out of Spicer R&P's I think thats a no brainer as to who's gear to actually use in your swap.



Chris

 

[Jason Hughes]

Hey Todd, setting up a ring and pinion is definately more difficult than just putting in the lockrite. The lockrite install does not require removal of the pinion gear and if the diff was in good shape the carrier can go back in just as it was removed. Sounds like a no brainer. Replacing gears,carrier, and bearings is definately more advanced. I personally do not use a case spreader and occasionally use a dial indicator, but I have been doing this full time over 15 years now. I know how the pre-load "feels" and I set up all gears by pattern. Not to scare you but this kind of knowledge is only gained by experience and of course a little luck knowing the right people. The problem with this is that it's real easy to ruin your new parts. You can always call or PM me and I can guide you on your adventure if you are up to it. Hope I was helpful. Good luck.