Project Blue Steel Diffs

[WK2008]

So I have had the Durango for a few months now and I've had a chance to twist a few wrenches here and there as well. I added some new rubber and I am now in love with Toyo tires. I have run every brand out there and they are my brand of choice by far.

I have installed an Auburn LSD which is the same unit I'm running in my Grand. Great unit and as close to a locker as you can get wand still retain great street manners. I am now realizing that I need to do one major project .....I need lower gears.

I did look into a 4 to 1 kit for my t case but the cost is 1300 USD for the kit alone and I still am lacking on the hills. The power on the hills is lackluster and I am finding that it can really get away on me on the steep hills also. This is strictly a trail rig and therefore I am more interested in power than fuel economy. I have ordered a set of 4.56 gears from Quality Gear and would love to learn how to install them.

I am looking to learn from my fellow wheelers but I would still like to pay you for your guidance as this is a big project. If you have a garage where we can do this and I can supply the majority of the tools if required. I would love to take this on as I have the repair manual but when it comes to gears I get a little nervous. I could just pay a shop to do it for me but I prefer to learn and then I can do it myself the next time.

Cheers! John.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=50.954924,-114.120655

[Jrama]

This is the absolute best write up I have come across on how to go about setting up gears. It should prove extremely useful to anyone looking to setup a gear set for the first time.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/

Just out of curiosity, where would be a good place in Calgary to buy a beam or dial style inch/lb torque wrench?

[hps4evr]

this is a good project you might want a qualified shop to do. im sure there are a few shops around that might let you watch... hard to say because of insurance reasons. if you make a mistake on gear set-up, or bearing installs you could end up buying new parts.

[cLAY]

Just out of curiosity, where would be a good place in Calgary to buy a beam or dial style inch/lb torque wrench?

Maybe a Mac or Snapon truck. When I bought one a few years ago I could not find one in Calgary anywhere. Ended up buying one off of Ebay.

Try to find on with a 3/8"s drive on it. Saves you one less adapter.

[CatSplat]

Fastenal can bring them in, but the dial-types are definitely spendy.

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0200956&ucst=t
http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0247492&ucst=t

You can get the beam-style from Amazon for a lot less with free shipping if you're not in a rush.
http://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-TW-1-Torque-Wrench/dp/B000NVCI1U/ref=pd_cp_hi_1

[Rubi03 jef]

This is the absolute best write up I have come across on how to go about setting up gears. It should prove extremely useful to anyone looking to setup a gear set for the first time.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/

Just out of curiosity, where would be a good place in Calgary to buy a beam or dial style inch/lb torque wrench?

not needed .. if u have set up enough gears u can do it all by feel

[Rubi03 jef]

ive done 7 or 8 diffs now and have had no issues with any of the gear sets or bearings .

they can be time consuming jobs . fast diff to date was just over a hour . factory shims put me right back to the depth and lash i needed .. not every set up will do this

longeest gear set was over 12 hours because it was my first and i was trying to be very picky with it and get it to exactly what was spec ..  but from my expierence deeper is better then to shallow and tighter is better then to loose ..

cause gears will always wear in just a little and if ur a bit tight then when it wears in your in spec

when do you plan on doing these gears .     i have my rear diff to still set up so if u want to come and watch then your welcome to

[BlackYJ]

but from my experience deeper is better then to shallow and tighter is better then to loose ..

Thats what SHE said   

[Rubi03 jef]

Thats what SHE said   

i was waiting to see if anyone got that or not