R&P Gear Swap Party in Dallas (Plano) **UPDATED**

[txbartman]

Well, I have priced different shops and found a variance from $500 to 1500 to install my new 4.56s gears for me. The average seems to run somewhere around $600-700 for both axles. So.... I have decided to do it myself. I have several guys in my local club (TX 4x4 - Arlington) that are interested in doing this sort of things themselves as well. So I have decided to get together a wrench-a-thon R&P swap party.

Here's the details...
We are looking at either Aug 25th, Labor Day weekend, or Sept 8th. We need to have someone with the proper tools show up (as I don't have the dial indicators and such) and would prefer to have someone that has some experience with doing this there as well, whether hands-on or observation experience. I have donated my truck as the project vehicle.

If anyone is interested in joining our little party, let me know. If you have some experience with this and want to help, definitely let me know. If you have experience and can give us pointers but can't make it, that would be greatly appreciated as well.

The plan is to install 4.56 gears and Detroit C-lockers in the front and rear axles of my Jimmy. I have never ripped into the diffs (besides oil changes), pulled the shafts, or even pulled the front hubs before, so I am a little nervous about all this stuff. But, what the hey, it's only money and the one vehicle I care more about than anything! Am I making a mistake here?!?

I am also planning on taking lots of pics and doing a write-up for the website. I think it could be very useful for many people.

**UPDATE -- See replies below**

Brian
Click to see <a target="_blank" href=http://tx85gmcguy.alloffroad.com>My 85 Jimmy</a>
Is it a bad thing when my reality check bounces?<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small">Edited by tx85gmcguy on 08/20/01 12:06 PM.</FONT></P>

 

[Leadfoot]

Re: R&P Gear Swap Party in Dallas (Plano)

I have the Richmond Gear R&amp;P setup video. It is very general, but does show correct and incorrect patterns. If you would like to see it let me know (I will send it out to you if you promise to send it back).
Also set aside some spare cash before the swap. When you pull the front end apart, put all new seals in, check the bearings (repack or replace), replace the balljoints, and put new u-joints in the front axle shafts (preferably Spicer). This is the best time to do it, and since you have not had it apart before, it needs it, and will be a good learning experience. If you want specifics on how to disassemble the front end PM me and I will help you. Also go to your local parts store and pick up the four prong socket for the front spindle nut. I bought a combination one that has 4 internal tabs (front 1/4 to 1 ton axles) and six external prongs (for the 14 bolt rear-end on 3/4-1ton axles) You may not have a 14 bolt FF now, but someday down the road you might, plus the socket was only like $2 more than the individual front or rear sockets, it's like getting two for the price of one).
Speaking of which, what axles do you have?

There is a Right way, a Wrong way, and then there is My way. The latter is usually the most fun!

 

[txbartman]

Re: R&P Gear Swap Party in Dallas (Plano)

The video would be great! I got my gears from Randy's and they have a great installation guide, but being able to see some of it in motion may help a lot. I found a guy in my 4x4 club that has doen more than 20 R&amp;P swaps in everything from Fords to Danas to GMs. His assistance is also going to be invaluable.

Shoot me an email about the video, if you don't mind. And I do have some questions for you about ripping into the axles.

Brian
Click to see <a target="_blank" href=http://tx85gmcguy.alloffroad.com> My 85 Jimmy </a>
Is it a bad thing when my reality check bounces?

 

[shupach]

Re: R&P Gear Swap Party in Dallas (Plano)

hey man sorry i didn't read the posts on tx4x4, i get like 20 new messages every ten minutes so i've just given up unless i post something, however i would luv to join ya or at least watch to see how it is done.

phill

 

[muddin4fun]

Re: R&P Gear Swap Party in Dallas (Plano)

I'd like to come and watch just to see how it's done if ya don't mind. I've never seen it done and I don't know how it's done, but I'd like to!

It's been lovely, but I have to scream now.

<a target="_blank" href=http://www.geocities.com/muddin4fun79blazer/>http://www.geocities.com/muddin4fun79blazer/</a>

 

[txbartman]

Re: R&P Gear Swap Party in Dallas (Plano)

We can all talk about it at breakfast tomorrow. You gonna call me or am I calling you?

Brian
Click to see <a target="_blank" href=http://tx85gmcguy.alloffroad.com> My 85 Jimmy </a>
Is it a bad thing when my reality check bounces?

 

[ftn96]

Re: R&P Gear Swap Party in Dallas (Plano)

Bring a BIG bag of patience!

Learning to fry bacon!!

3/4 in progress

<a target="_blank" href=http://www.nashvillek5.freeservers.com>www.nashvillek5.freeservers.com</a>

 

[txbartman]

Here's the deal... After a great deal of struggling and second-guessing about whether or not to do this myself, I have decided (again) to go for it.

This Saturday (Aug 25th), I plan to replace the 3.73 gears in my rear GM 10-bolt axle with new 4.56s and a new Detroit C-Locker. I will probably only do the rear on Saturday. I will save the front axle (since pulling it apart is much more involved) for Labor Day weekend. That extra day off from work could prove useful. Plus, if I grenade the rear gears this weekend and end up using the other set, I would need time during the week to get new gears!! (man I hope not)

I live in Plano near 75 and Legacy. Due to the heat and the fact that my Jimmy doesn't fit in the garage, I plan to start this project around 8am. I hope to have everything pulled and cleaned by noon and the new gears in by the evening. I don't see any reason why I can't do this. I am probably going to rent a dial indicator, micrometer, and any other specialty tool I may need for this project. That is, unless they are so reasonably priced I just can't afford not to buy the new toys.

If anyone is interested in joining me, whether to help or just offer moral support, feel free. I plan to take lots of pics along the way and do some sort of write-up. If you plan on coming, send me an email ([email protected]) and I will send you detailed directions.

Well, here goes nothing!!

Brian
Click to see <a target="_blank" href=http://tx85gmcguy.alloffroad.com> My 85 Jimmy </a>
Is it a bad thing when my reality check bounces?

 

[CaptCrunch]

Good luck... I'm ripping into my 12B to install 4.56's (I think) and I'm trying to piece together what is what. I haven't touch a rear since tech school except the standard axles ahfts and wheel bearings seals etc... Gear setup isn't too bad.... just give your self time and grind outthe old bearings on the pinion so they will slide on and off w/out a press so it will be easier to change shims... Good luck.

Oh yeah... why don't you get a digital camera or have Lara bring hers and do a detail write up on it. I'm sure everyone would like a rear gear change for dummies write-up as it is a common asked question.

-Mikey
1987 Chevy K5 Blazer- 350 TBI
<a target="_blank" href=http://coloradok5.com/gallery/captcrunch>http://coloradok5.com/gallery/captcrunch</a>

 

[txbartman]

I plan to use my digital cam to take lots of pics and do a write-up. Lots of people have been offering me advice. I will see if I can put it all together and come up with someone. Like, maybe, Gear Swaps for Dummies by a Dummy. Whad'ya think of that title?!?

Brian
Click to see <a target="_blank" href=http://tx85gmcguy.alloffroad.com> My 85 Jimmy </a>
Is it a bad thing when my reality check bounces?