Changing out the gears?

[5150]

How difficult is this to do? Just wanting to know what it takes to change out the guts.

[69TowRig]

I'm assuming you mean the rear axle gears. They aren't that difficult, but you have to have the right tools, the right workspace, and lots of patience.

At a minimum you need a press, a micrometer, dial indicator w/mag base, inch-lb torque wrench, the proper socket for the pinion yoke nut, a complete install kit, and a marking compound or white grease, soft-faced hammer, along with all the normal hand tools.

There are a lot of good sites online that have information pertaining to individual axles and gears. Usually the gear manufacturer will supply a brief tech sheet for installing the particular gear set you purchase.

I have set up a few differentials, they take some time to do it right but it's worth it in the end. If you have the access to the tools or you think you will do more of that sort of thing then it's not a bad job at all. I have not done a GM axle yet, I've done a couple different Nissan axles and a Ford 9", but generally speaking all the concepts carry over from one to the next. You can save yourself a lot of money in the long run by doing it yourself, but if you mess it up it can cost you more, so choose wisely.

[special-K]

Now there are "set-up" bearings available.They are "mock" bearings that slip on and off without a press making the process alot less industrious.I`d put differential assembly in a more advanced mechanic category.It`s definately not a bolt-on/parts switch deal.

[cdowns]

i've found about the easiest way to change gears is to drop it off in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon

[67chevemall]

I bought some 3:08's on the board and they are just sitting in a box.
I would like to do this too someday!
I guess you have to take the whole axcel out of the truck?

[67Fleet]

Originally Posted by 67chevemall

I guess you have to take the whole axcel out of the truck?

Yes, and that's the easiest part....
I wouldn't mess with the rear-end gears unless you have good mechanical experience. The last thing you want is to get it all back together and have your rear end spit its guts a mile from your house because you didn't get everything perfectly aligned.

[69TowRig]

Originally Posted by 67Fleet

I wouldn't mess with the rear-end gears unless you have good mechanical experience. The last thing you want is to get it all back together and have your rear end spit its guts a mile from your house because you didn't get everything perfectly aligned.

That's kind of where the patience comes in. You have to start somewhere, but you have to take your time and double-check everything to do it right.

I had not seen those set-up bearings before. I went and looked up Precision Gears offering. Those are awesome! I will have to get them for the next axle I do.

[bigcdawg99]

You definately need a good factory assembly manual. They have very detailed diagrams that make it much easier. However, I do agree with cdowns on the easiest way to do it. IMO its also a good idea to have a pro do it if you hammer on the gas pedal as much as most of us do.

[LUV2XCLR8]

Originally Posted by 69TowRig

I'm assuming you mean the rear axle gears. They aren't that difficult, but you have to have the right tools, the right workspace, and lots of patience.

At a minimum you need a press, a micrometer, dial indicator w/mag base, inch-lb torque wrench, the proper socket for the pinion yoke nut, a complete install kit, and a marking compound or white grease, soft-faced hammer, along with all the normal hand tools.

AND

Originally Posted by bigcdawg99

You definately need a good factory assembly manual. They have very detailed diagrams that make it much easier.

It's also a 2 make sure your carrier will accept the gears you want,
I believe 3:73 and up verses 3:55? and down could be different carriers, if
you get the wrong thing the only thing that will help is lots of

[see ten]

I had my older brother change mine out while he was in Vocational school. The instructor double checked everything to make sure it was done correctly. It also helped my brother out as he needed the experience. They have a drivetrain portion of class and he used my truck for his project. It only cost me parts and a couple of days time. I know you went through a lot with a vo-tech school getting your truck painted, but this is a much simpler job. And the gears can be changed with the housing in the truck but the axle shafts will have to be slid out. If you have to pay someone expect at least $200 labor to be charged (that's what the last set I paid to have changed cost me locally). If you don't plan on doing a lot of gear changes and don't have the tools you will save money to just pay someone (or go the vo-tech school route). Good luck!