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VIN and rear axel problems for registration.

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by chipdom, Aug 10, 2014.

  1. Feb 11, 2020
    Bobcreag

    Bobcreag Bob C

    Danville, CA
    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2014
    Messages:
    58
    I think that I dodged a bullet...I removed the U-Joint where it attached to the rear pinion yoke. There was up-and-down as well as in-and-out play on the pinion shaft. I then noticed that the nut that holds the yoke on to the pinion shaft was loose. When I tightened it up, the play went away. When I re-attached the drive shaft and went for a test drive, the noise in the rear differential when decelerating had completely disappeared!

    I feel that I should still plan to perform a bearing and seal change for the pinion and carrier, but at least a bought myself some time. A local rear end shop (Livermore, CA) quoted me $800 to replace the carrier bearings, pinion bearing and pinion seal (the price may have includes axle bearings & seals as well). When I mentioned that I had tapered axles, he said that would be an additional $150 ($950 total). I have a rear hub puller. I'm thinking that I could buy the parts (bearings & seals) and borrower or purchase the tools to pull the axles and bearings for less than $950.

    Bob
     
  2. Feb 11, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Note that the nut on the pinion is a locking type, and is supposed to be single use. No guarantee a used nut will stay tight without locktite or replacement.

    I'd also point out that the parts replacement in the carrier is a labor-intensive job, and that's where much of the expense comes from. When you replace the bearings, all the clearances change. I'd check with any local 4x4 shops for an additional quote to see if it will come down some. The quote may be high because the shop does not want this job. The tapered axles can be a pain, because the taper stays together very strongly. A specific big puller is needed, and they still don't come apart easily. See old threads. And look at the FSM and other reviews of axle setup to get an idea of what's involved in setting up axle gears.
     
  3. Feb 12, 2020
    Bobcreag

    Bobcreag Bob C

    Danville, CA
    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2014
    Messages:
    58
    Thanks Timgr.

    I have been watching a lot of YouTube videos about changing the carrier and pinion bearings -- definitely labor intensive. I especially like the videos posted by "Metalshaper".

    Assuming replacement bearings measure the same as the original bearings, it sounds like I could replace the pinion and carrier shims in their original positions/locations and I would not have to worry about re-setting preload, backlash, etc.

    Bob
     
  4. Feb 12, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    You're welcome.
    I don't know - I have not done this job. I recall from other posts that you can get close by measuring the old and new parts and adjusting the shim packs accordingly. Others with experience can comment.
     
  5. Feb 12, 2020
    CHUGALUG

    CHUGALUG Member

    Silverton, OR
    Joined:
    May 11, 2019
    Messages:
    238
    WOW one of the best Chassis shops in this area charged me $250.00 to assemble my Dana 44 30 spline Flanged Granted everything was brand new except for the Housing and the Axle shafts. But he even had to run down the street and source the proper Pinion Bearing as I had mistakenly bought an install kit for a Bronco rather then a Jeep. Paid cash. I took in about 9am it was done about 3pm the following day. It went in the shop owner pocket. He then took me out and showed me one of the nicest off road buggys I have ever seen. His personal toy.
     
  6. Feb 12, 2020
    Bobcreag

    Bobcreag Bob C

    Danville, CA
    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2014
    Messages:
    58
    The San Francisco Bay Area is just too expensive. I am going to contact a couple of more rear end shops, but I bet that they will all be high!
     
  7. Feb 19, 2020
    BadGoat

    BadGoat How High Can You Climb?

    Northern Virginia
    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2017
    Messages:
    326
    If you haven't already found a shop, it should only be about 4 hours of labor to rebuild a Dana 44. Find a local off-road shop. They do this all the time.

    Mike
     
  8. Feb 20, 2020
    termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Mason, MI
    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2002
    Messages:
    4,418
    I used them as well. I left the vin tag on when i had the body acid washed. It melted right off
     
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