Does anyone know how to spread a case without a case spreader? I am trying to get my damned 14-bolt carrier out so that I can weld it and can get it about a quarter of the way out before it hangs up. Ive seen case spreaders for $328. If I could find one cheaper I would buy it or if I could find one to rent I would rent it. Any ideas?

J. J.

don't know about the 14-bolt. But on the Dana's I've use a 20" pry bar, a socket (block of steel whatever) on the side of the case for leverage against the bar right next to teh diff. and tap on the end of the pry bar with a hammer alternating side to side until it comes out.

I have been told that the case spreader works, but is easy to distort the case.

You can weld it inside the housing if you using mig. Just preheat it and burn remaining oil that you cant clean up. You can do it with stick also but it just has more cleanup.

This is 14-bolt. It would be impossible to weld it in the housing. I tried the pry bars and stuff. I even took the pinion out and pounded from the front side. No go. Any other suggestions?

J. J.

You're killing yourself for no reason. 14 bolts use adjuster nut thingys on the sides of the carrier, instead of shims. As I recall, there is one small bolt in each of the bearing caps that holds the adjustor in place. Since you've already removed the caps, just mark the position of the adjustors, and turn them to give yourself enough clearane (counting the number of turns as you go). When you go to put it back in, just make sure the adjustor nuts go back to the same place, and you're set.

Pete

you sure do not put a case spreader on a 14 bolt mostly danas only the 14 bolt has spanner nuts that you really need spanners wrenches to back off but I suppose you could use a punch or screw driver forget trying to mark them just back them all the way off the carriewr will fall out it will be so loose do what ever you want then reset the backlash around .007 with a dial indicator:smokin: :smokin: :smokin: :smokin:

damn, that 14 bolt is starting to sound better every day. right up there with the 9". :D