DIY - Differential and Ring & Pinion Swap

[FIGS]

Originally Posted by Dustin

I guess I never stated that I'm going from a 4.10 to a 4.56, plus I used a solid pinion spacer instead of a crush sleeve. I already tried using the factory lateral shims. No way were they gonna work. There was no movement at all in the differential. Regarding the bearings again, I'll leave that to each person to decide if they need to be replaced. Could I have used the ones in there? Yes. But everything else going in was going to be new., so for peace of mind, I went with all new. Thanks for your input though. I appreciate the advice.

Ah, OK. That makes complete sense then. And If I were changing pinions I would likely do the same. Just seems like you might have been able to save one "R" in the "R+R" process if you just swapped all things new in there but I guess the next one will be easier eh?
Mike

[Dustin]

Hopefully there won't be a next one for me, lol. And again, I'm doing this as someone who has never done this before. I said in the beginning that I might take extra steps that others wouldn't, and me doing it the way I am does involve a little bit of trial and error but makes me content in my own head. For me to be content I wanted all new. Others will be content with reusing what they have. Also the way I'm doing it leaves no stone unturned. So anyone else who might need to do even one of the many things I am doing will be able to by seeing what I have done. Example, when these cars reach 100k plus, maybe someone will need to replace an axle seal or replace a carrier bearing. Here's the DIY for that as well.

[Dustin]

Backlash is set on the differential. This hopefully will be installed this weekend. I'm replacing the carrier bushings and hope they will be finished by the weekend so I can finish the install.

[Dustin]

Installed and DONE!!! First post updated. Thanks for bearing with me. It took longer than expected, but the end results are well worth it.

[Mikem53]

Originally Posted by Dustin

Installed and DONE!!! First post updated. Thanks for bearing with me. It took longer than expected, but the end results are well worth it.

Great write up! This will be totally helpful to anyone considering this upgrade.
You did a good job expressing how important it is to get the preload and clearances correct for this job.. It doesn't take but being off a little bit to destroy a set of gears.. Nice job! Enjoy!

[Dustin]

Originally Posted by Mikem53

Great write up! This will be totally helpful to anyone considering this upgrade.
You did a good job expressing how important it is to get the preload and clearances correct for this job.. It doesn't take but being off a little bit to destroy a set of gears.. Nice job! Enjoy!

I'm enjoying it already. The differential is a great upgrade. This is my first clutch type 2 way to have on one of my own vehicles and I can't believe how smooth everything goes when the back end slides out. With the torsen diff, it's okay, but the 2 way is something else all together and in a good way.

And yes, checking clearances and making sure everything is spot on when installing a diff or a new final drive is THE MOST important part about doing this. If anyone else attempts this and has any questions or concerns, please feel free to PM me and I'll be happy to answer any questions to the best of my ability.

[Dustin]

Updated 2nd post with initial thoughts.

[Freshfrs86]

This was great info and a great write up! Definitely doing this in the next year or so.

[markmatley]

Nice DIY. Anyone else having a hard time putting the axle back into the diff? I'm wailing on it with a rubber mallet and punch on the same pry lip but nothing moves. Tried a heavier hammer and just didn't want to over do it. Any suggestions?

[Dustin]

Originally Posted by markmatley

Nice DIY. Anyone else having a hard time putting the axle back into the diff? I'm wailing on it with a rubber mallet and punch on the same pry lip but nothing moves. Tried a heavier hammer and just didn't want to over do it. Any suggestions?

The splines need to be lined up correctly to go in the diff. With the rear wheels off the ground, spin them slightly in either direction and maybe the splines will move slightly and line up correctly.

Also I hit here with a regular hammer and not a rubber mallet.

[markmatley]

Originally Posted by Dustin

The splines need to be lined up correctly to go in the diff. With the rear wheels off the ground, spin them slightly in either direction and maybe the splines will move slightly and line up correctly.

Also I hit here with a regular hammer and not a rubber mallet.

Thanks. I got it out eventually. I began by opening the cv boot and removing my shattered edj cage and ball bearings. Then bent my pry bar removing the spline section...lol. Ended up rotating the spline and prying, rinse and repeat. Putting the new axle was way easier. Lubed up the spline and it slide in nicely (that's what she said ) and then just pounded it in (again that's what she said) with a wide punch on that pry lip. Anti rust on the hub end and bolted it down nicely.

Seriously thank you. I would've been at a lost without your DIY.

Buy you a case of beer for you and your brother if you're ever in Hawaii.

[ed1117]

What brand is your fd?

any noise?

[ed1117]

I just installed my fd

But it had some noise like cranking metal sound

[ed1117]

What brand is ur fd?

any noise?