first time gear setup...here I go!

[wetbackZO]

aight people, I am going to do my first differential. I just need to know which tools are essential. I already have a hydraulic press and all the hand tools. Hope harbor freight has all I will need, he he...thanx in advance.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

You need a dial indicator with some kind of base (most are magnetic). You will also need a torque wrench that reads in. lbs. Read up here: http://www.pirate4x4.com/articles/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup

 

[mofugly13]

What he said, and a set of dial or digital calipers is nice for sorting through different shim thicknesses for when/if you need to change backlash, pinion depth, etc.

 

[wetbackZO]

great article, thanx...

 

[jekquistk5]

rent a decent dial gauge... dont use hf stuff for something sooo important

 

[wetbackZO]

ok, then sears it is...
so far I got a nice digital caliper...getting there....

 

[K5er4Life]

after you collect your tools, be patient with the install. There is only one right way these things go together, proper setup is crucial to the longevity of the gears. You may have to run patterns till the cows come home but in the end it is worth it because you know it was done right. You might get lucky and only have to run 2 or 3 patterns or you may end up running 7 or 8 patterns until your satisfied with the way the pattern is set. Just remember to read, read, read, and dont be afraid to ask questions on here, theres a couple of guys on here that are invaluable resources when it comes to help for setting up gears. Good luck once you get moving, post pics of your pattern when you think its ready.

 

[roadnotca]

Which one of your fleet are you working on (which diff)?

 

[K5dreamer]

my only peice of advice on this, because ive only done it a few times myself, is if at all possible, have someone who is experienced with this job at least look over your shoulder. setting up a rear diff is more like tuning a musical instrument rather than just bolting on a cylender head and torquing the bolts correctly. expect to install, test, remove, reshim, and reinstall the whole thing several times before you get it just right.

 

[77crewcab]

Not nearly as hard as everyone makes it sound. The HF dial indicator and magnetic base stand along with a dial caliper, paint marker and some axle bearing grease and you are pretty much good to go. I haven't looked at the Haynes manual to see if it has sufficient instructions for the pattern and such but will check it and see how it sounds if need be I can scan some better general instructions to send you that will help understand how to set the pattern, backlash etc.