Front axle gear break-in procedure

[bp71k5]

I've been told not to worry about break-in on the front gears "since they aren't used as much", but since I'm planning on using them and the locker attached to them pretty soon, is there a good way to break-in the gears on the front without driving around in 4wd on the freeway for 500 miles?

I drove around for 20 miles in front wheel drive only and let it cool down. But other than that they've just been sitting in the gear oil doing nothing.

 

[Capt.D]

Take it to the dunes......

 

[cegusman]

I have always just went strait to wheeling

 

[nvrenuf]

Per Richmond gear -

A new ring and pinion installation, especially a high numeric ratio with new bearings, can cause an excessive heat buildup in the rear end and cause softening of the gear teeth and bearings if a break in is not performed.

Street vehicles should be driven at normal street driving speed for approximately 10 miles, then stop and let cool for 30 minutes. Do this 2 to 3 times. Towing vehicles need approximately 200-300 miles of normal street driving before being used for towing.

On circle track race cars make approximately 6 to 8 laps at slow speed, then let cool for 30 minutes. Make 6 to 8 more laps at slow speed, then 2 to 3 laps at full speed, the let cool again for 30 minutes.

Drag cars need only an initial run-in since they are driven short distances and heat is not normally a problem with proper lube and backlash allowance.

NOTE: If after the above break in is performed, overheating of the rear end is suspected, repeat the final portion of the break in procedures.


It doesn't say so but I seem to remember you're supposed to change the oil afterwards.

 

[bp71k5]

Yea, I changed the rear oil, but wasn't sure what to do with the front. I guess it won't hurt to drive it around on straight road for a bit more and then let it cool and change the oil.

 

[Fred_M1010]

I think it sounds like a good idea, to drive around with only front wheel drive for a while.

Unless one have a slipjoint transfercase, then it would be a little messy without the rear d-shaft

 

[bp71k5]

Unless one have a slipjoint transfercase, then it would be a little messy without the rear d-shaft

The transfer case have been double-sticked so I can use either front or rear wheel drive by just pulling a lever. It's just tough to turn the thing on hard road with the front axle engaged.

 

[Fred_M1010]

The transfer case have been double-sticked so I can use either front or rear wheel drive by just pulling a lever. It's just tough to turn the thing on hard road with the front axle engaged.

I've never heard of a mod like that, how is that done?
And what is the purpose (other than front axle break-in )

 

[bp71k5]

I've never heard of a mod like that, how is that done?

Check this link out:
http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/transfercaseshifters.htm

In stock form, the front and rear of the 205 are shifted using two linkages on a single shift stick. The kit just separates them and adds a second stick for the front.

And what is the purpose (other than front axle break-in )

You gain rear wheel drive low range (2wd), and I've been told it can be handy to use the front engaged for front "digs" in certain situations. I honestly haven't used it for anything yet, but it was easy to do while I was rebuilding it.

I've also got a third stick for the doubler, but that's mostly just useful to confuse would-be thieves...

 

[dfl701]

I've never heard of a mod like that, how is that done?
And what is the purpose (other than front axle break-in )

if you do a search you will find tons and tons of great info, but in a nutshell it allows you to just use front or rear wheel drive or both.

 

[82355]

Do a burnout. That is what the old timers back home do, and that is what I have done with rear axles when I set them up.

Martin

 

[4xcrazy]

unless you have fulltime 4wd, i would not be too concerned with the break-in, or even if they are setup "perfectly" anyways, the front axle doesn't and isn't really supposed to see anything faster than 45mph anyways on the part time units.

if it was the rear axle, i would say yes, definately set them up right and break them in right.

i have had mine out a few times on the front, redone a few things and never had an issue with them, as mentioned, they don't get used that much to really do any damage to them unless they are WAAAY off in adjustments.

run them a few times in 4wd while out on the trails, replace the gear oil a couple of times and call it good.

 

[onetonbb74]

When I broke mine in, I put it in 4 high engaging both hubs for a few (3) heat cycles, actually remembering doing it in a remote area because its a bitch to steer, I was all over the road. Once the diff gets hot then completely cools a few times, I change the fluid and haven't touched it since. Went about 20 mph at the most, mostly stayed around 15mph.

 

[fmstruck]

I usually just use it like I'm gonna use it. The only thing I would add to that is check a couple of times in the pinion bearing and side bearing areas of the housing after driving it a few miles engaged to make sure you aren't building a bunch of heat from a tight bearing. If no excessive heat, you're good to go.

 

[chulisohombre]

basically as was said before.if they are setup correctly,there is no real "break in "on the front axle.if you do it the same as rear you should be fine.do 20 miles on it and feel the housing for excessive heat.you should be able to still touch the housing and make sure there is nothing over heating.let it cool for 30 minutes,then run it anether 20 miles.change the fluid after it cools and look at the gears and make sure it looks good still.then you will be fine.