Should I build my own rear?
 

In preparation for next season, I am upgrading my rear end to a 31 spline setup. I would really like to do this myself instead of paying someone large amounts of money to do it for me, plus the added benefits of personal experience and satisfaction knowing I did all the work on my car.

My question is, how difficult is this job? I already have the 31 spline diff and all the bearings I need. Now I just need to select a set of axles (strange or moser?). What I really need is good reference material to study up on the job. So far, I have done everything else in my signature to my car, so I'm not completely clueless with wrenches, but I have never even cracked a differential cover before.

What are some good reading materials that outlines the process and goes over everything in pretty good detail?

Thanks in advance.

It really isnt hard. I have no idea where to find any material on this. I have learned by example. I watched a buddy several times. If you are using a currently built rearend. You just simply change out the chunk, and bearings being sure to use the same number of spacers and shims on each side of the new reaer as the old. I have never started from scratch on an 8.8 only a dana rear. Average number of times to put together and check a Dana rear is 7 times by the way. If you have 31 spline side gears, and a good center unit. all you should have to do is pull the cover, remove c-clips, brakes, and pull the axles out. slide in the new ones and put it back together. Unless you are planning on changing gears. It really is simple.
Brad

Send it out to a shop. They have the experience, tools and know-how. You'll save yourself money in the long run.

You've gotten lucky so far then Pony. I just installed an Eaton posi in a 2000GT last night after they broke some axles a few weeks ago. The Eaton was 0.031" wider than the stock posi. Had I simply used the same shimming, the bearings would be burnt before they even got the car back to their house. I'll agree that its not the mystical black box that some think it is, but it is one of the more sensitive and involved tasks on the car besides laying up a crank.

GT93, there's a write-up on my website on gear swaps. The thing to remember is that you get what you've put into it. Sloppy, inaccurate work will most likely lead to noisy gears and short-lived bearings. Take lots of measurements and write them down. Take your time and don't rush it...the clearances and preloads are everything to the longevity of the rear.

Thanks for your input guys. I'd still like to tackle this one myself for the education value and satisfaction. This is not my daily driver, so if I screw something up, I can send it out to someone after I get tired of messing it up. You gotta learn somehow, and the best way to learn is to just do it. So, I'm off to check out your write-up Jeff.

Are there any articles in 5.0 magazine or MM&FF? I think I have seen some, but I don't remember which issues.

Thanks again.

Joe, their are books out strictly dealing with rear ends may want to check the local book store. They sell the tool kits which include the dial gauges and things to set- the rear up, you should look into that.

Superior Axles are the ones I am going with the splines are rolled like the Mark Williams models which make them stronger then the cut splines found on Mosers and other brands, they are very competitve in price as well.

Drivetrain Direct (advertise in MM&FF) deals the Superiors, I personally am getting their Eaton Posi kit for my car and will build that for the first time myself. I d have my dad who can set-up a rear to look over my shoulder though and he has all the tools. Like Jeff said backlash and preload is everything to a good running set of gears.

Man I guess I am lucky. I have never had any problems (YET). I figure I will know. I have to still do the rear for my car. It wil probably take me liek 15 times know. Darnit.
Brad

OK, so I've found a few sources with some info on rear ends. After going over a couple of them, I've noticed they mentioned the use of a press. Is this absolutely necessary, or are there any tips or tricks to get around needing one? Thanks again guys.

Not unless you're Superman. I've often thought about buying a press for my garage since its and abolute necessity in doing work like gears. Nothing sucks more than pressing the pinion bearing on, setting it up for the correct depth, then pulling it all back apart and running across town to get the bearing pulled, shim inserted then bearing pressed back on. Find a shop close by that has a press, then build a good relationship with them!

You need the press to put on the pinion bearing, if you don't have a bearing press most machine shops will do it for you for nothing or maybe a few dollars. It is much better then beating it on:eek:

Well, since I need a press, I may just buy one for the garage. I'm sure it will come in handy on more than one occasion. What size do you guys think I'll need to get? I see them ranging from 1/2 ton all the way to 12 tons with varying prices. So, how big do I need?

Get at least a 3-ton press.