Differential Installation Input

"Paul, Man of Mustangs" (stangmanpaul) 11/29/2013 at 17:58 • Filed to: None

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How long does it take to install a differential and gear set into a 3rd-member type axle? I need to give a quote to a guy who wants me to swap a limited-slip and a 4.11 gear set into his 8".

brianbrannon > Paul, Man of Mustangs 11/29/2013 at 18:32

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Depends on how long it takes to drive to the nearest clutch/drive axle shop.

Paul, Man of Mustangs > brianbrannon 11/29/2013 at 18:37

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I'd be doing it myself, because this guy is shopping between a local axle shop and me. I could use the money, though.

desertdog5051 > Paul, Man of Mustangs 11/29/2013 at 21:17

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Take a look at this and you decide.

http://www.mustangmonthly.com/howto/41618/

Philbert/Phartnagle > Paul, Man of Mustangs 11/30/2013 at 00:18

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Do you know how to properly set up a rear end and do you have the tools to do it with?

If not you should leave it for someone more experienced so you don't destroy the rear end and possibly cause this person to have an accident.

Paul, Man of Mustangs > Philbert/Phartnagle 11/30/2013 at 00:31

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I'm pretty sure I have the tools, and my grandpa is a diesel mechanic, so I have sources to look over my work.

Philbert/Phartnagle > Paul, Man of Mustangs 11/30/2013 at 00:44

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Ok, but if you have never done it before be very diligent in following the directions in setting it up and getting the correct clearances and wear pattern.

This is the one thing I won't do for other people because of the liability if something goes wrong and the rear end fails or locks up while they are at speed.

I used to be a large stationary diesel mechanic myself. I worked on, maintained and operated large (16 cyl, 4150 HP) diesel generating engines and their accompanying systems (26 years) until I was badly injured on the job.

Paul, Man of Mustangs > Philbert/Phartnagle 11/30/2013 at 00:57

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I've been studying the instructions for much of the day today, and I'll talk to Bruce Griggs as well, since he's got lots of experience with axles, as well.

Philbert/Phartnagle > Paul, Man of Mustangs 11/30/2013 at 01:04

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With your confidence level and approach to the repair I think you will do ok. I'm sure you probably know this already, but there are a lot of instructional articles online too. Best of luck to you.

Paul, Man of Mustangs > Philbert/Phartnagle 11/30/2013 at 01:05

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Thanks. I do tend to second guess myself, but in this case, that could be an advantage. Measure twice, cut once and all.

Philbert/Phartnagle > Paul, Man of Mustangs 11/30/2013 at 01:09

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So do I and there's nothing wrong with that, it has kept me from making some expensive mistakes in the past.

brianbrannon > Paul, Man of Mustangs 11/30/2013 at 10:32

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Do you have a selection of crush washer sizes and diff side spacers and a dial indicator to set the lash properly? If you just want to throw the parts in there with out setting it up it should only take you a couple of hours. Will he hold you responsible if it self destructs in a month?

Paul, Man of Mustangs > brianbrannon 12/01/2013 at 15:24

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I would buy an installation kit that has a crush sleeve and shims and whatnot. I do have a dial indicator as well. Trust me, I'm not the kind of guy who would half-ass a job on something as critical as an axle. I would read the instructions twice before the install, each step twice while working on it, then once after, just to be sure, as well as double-checking the measurements before moving on.