Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Replace pinion bearings during posi install?

[steveT]

I have a Power-lok to install in my truck. Is it necessary to replace the pinion bearings at 105K miles? There are no indications of wear of problems in my Dana 70. Any input on service life of these bearings would be appreciated, as changing them adds a lot to the complexity of the install.



Opinions or experiences?



Thanks to all.

 

[mschoenheider]

You shouldn't need to change the depth of the pinion if you are only swapping to a posi carrier, so I would not suggest changing the pinion bearings. If you are doing it yourself, I would pull the pinion after you get the carrier out, and then look at the bearings for any pitting. If there isn't any pitting, then put the pinion back in and swap your carrier to the posi unit. Basically all you need to do is pull the carrier, press off the bearings from your open carrier and put them on your posi carrier. Make sure you take the shims off the open carrier and put them on the same side of the posi carrier befoe you press on the bearings. Put the posi carrier in, tighten down the bearing caps and check the gear pattern. It should be really close if not perfect. Yukon Gear and Axle has great setup instructions and specs on the net. Their instructions tell you what shims need to be adjusted depending on what your pattern looks like. Setting up gears isn't overly difficult, but it does take lots of work and patience.

Mark

 

[tgrfan2]

I would change all the bearings while in there. Check my post on 911 and some other posts on the Dana 70. It isn't worth taking a chance considering the damage a bad bearing can do.

 

[Philip]

From what I have seen over the years. Most axles are good on bearings up to around 150k+. You have the rear end open anyway. You are over the half way point of the expected repair area. Do the bearings now. Then it won't jump up at a time of its choosing.

 

[LSMITH]

If I opened it up I would rebuild it 100%. Bearings are cheap. If you have not done a diff rebuild with success don't do it though, it can be tricky and messing it up is expensive. Unless you are confident in your abilities you probably should just pop in the new carrier and go with it. If lube is maintained at the proper level, not abused or towed heavy with a bombed engine, and kept clean the bearings will last several hundred thousand miles.