I planning over christmas break to replace my gears in my rear axle. My question is to the tools neccesary. Before you say take it somewhere read on :flipoff2: .

I know I need a press for the bearings to install and take off. What type and size should I get. I was thinking the 12 ton Harbor frieght one? Is that big enough. Not planning on opening
a shop just something to have in the garage. I am planning on getting the bearing pullers as well.

I also need a dial indicator and caliper. How good are the harbor frieght ones vs maybe craftsman or someone else. Note im not planning on a career path just for personal use. How about torque wrenchs as well. Whats the feelings on those.

Thanks.

Matt

You don't need a press to put bearings on.

Just heat up some cooking oil, boil the bearings for a while, then DROP them on. Works Great!

I dont know but when you figure it out can I come over and do my gears :p

Originally posted by Retard
I dont know but when you figure it out can I come over and do my gears :p

Sure but you're going to have to drive to San Diego where all the tools will be at my parents house :flipoff2:

Matt

Damn I would spend more on gas then it would cost me to have shop do the gears.

That should be good enough, gears are pretty easy, so you should'nt have to many probs.

DON'T cook the bearings to get them on (jesus christ)

I have used the cen-tech dial indicator and magnetic base from harbor freight, it will work good for your needs. I agree you dont need to spend the money on a press, there are other ways to put the bearings on, unless you will be using the press for other things.
As for torque wrenches, you get what you pay for. I have a cheap brand torque wrench and it is okay, not always true on the readings. I usually use my dad's snap-on or mac (i dont remember which) torque wrench and it is very high quality.

you might want to check the rentalplace near you for torque wrenches if you don't want to buy them, I know the premier rental by me has some, nothing fancy like a inch pounder that can measure real fine but they had others

A 12 ton press is MORE than suffecient. I've used mine for that several times.

So aside from a press, what would be the BEST way to press the bearings on or off? When I was regearing my D30 last month, the pinion bearing fell apart after several on and off sessions. To remove them I used a bearing pullery (harbor freight) and a 2 jaw puller attached to the bearing puller. To press the bearings on, I used a rubber mallet and a pipe.

I'm thinking that pounding them on isn't all that great of a deal, so I'm leaning toward the press. Input? I'm debating between getting a QUALITY setup kit (Randy's...last one sucked big time) and doing the gears on my rear D44 or just taking it somewhere.

When I did my front 44 I bought an extra set of carrier bearings and honed them out a little so they would slip on and off. It worked out really well. After I figured out the shims I pressed the other set of bearings on.
Good luck!
:usa:

Originally posted by FatCity
That should be good enough, gears are pretty easy, so you should'nt have to many probs.

DON'T cook the bearings to get them on (jesus christ)


Ok, for those of use whom dont know any better, and seen it work, why not?

Cooking the bearings will reduce their hardness. There are tables for time/temperature/hardness drawing for different types of steels.