Looking to regear & lock up--can I do it myself?

[gothamist]

I've never dealt with ring and pinion gears. I'm looking to regear my 12 bolt rear/D44 front to 4.56 and add a Detroit locker in the rear (and maybe a positraction in the front.) Is this something I can do myself? What tools beyond the basic will I need? (I have the usual--air tools, torque wrench, etc.)

I'm reasonably handy, and have done okay with other repair stuff on my truck (rust repair, balljoint & wheel bearing replacement, etc.)

If there is a guide somewhere or just a thread with others' experiences, please direct me. Thanks in advance!

 

[imiceman44]

I've never dealt with ring and pinion gears. I'm looking to regear my 12 bolt rear/D44 front to 4.56 and add a Detroit locker in the rear (and maybe a positraction in the front.) Is this something I can do myself? What tools beyond the basic will I need? (I have the usual--air tools, torque wrench, etc.)

I'm reasonably handy, and have done okay with other repair stuff on my truck (rust repair, balljoint & wheel bearing replacement, etc.)

If there is a guide somewhere or just a thread with others' experiences, please direct me. Thanks in advance!

I am the type of guy that believes I can do everything, I haven't done a front gear swap yet but I know I can do it with patience and i have the tools.
There are plenty of threads on how to, I have even seen an article maybe on Randy's ring and pinion website, i am not sure.
It's good to start on a front because you don't use it that often on a parts time 4wd and you shuld mostly use it in slow speeds, so if not perfect it shouldn't be a big problem.
You will need some specialty tools though, i don't have a list handy but a case spreader makes things easy, a guage for checking the play in the gears and some gear marking compound are thing just jump to me now.

 

[Chevy305]

I did a gear swap without knowing much at all. It was very fustrating but I got it set up and all set. I recomend you buy the Richmond Gear instalation video before you buy the parts so you know what you are getting yourself into.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

http://pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/

Feel free to post up pictures of your gear pattern, we can help you

 

[tarussell]

Sounds like you have a grip on the basic mechanical stuff - do lots of reading both here at CK5 and on Pirate before you start and than post up with questions when you get stumped.
Take your time and know that you have it CORRECT before you move on and all will go as smooth as possible.

Good luck !
Tom

 

[MA87K5]

if you really want the richmond gear video don't buy it I will give it to you just pay shipping. It's in VHS.