Installing Gears
I disagree...but definitely depends on your mechanical abilities and confidence.
I've done it a couple of times and funny you should ask...getting ready to do it again. I had the rear axle in my truck done and paid a reputable shop to do since it's a daily driver. The only reason was I didn't want the chance of getting some whine if I did it. As it turned out, still got a little anyways. I regret not doing it myself. But, I never did the front axle. Now I live where I'm going to get some snow, so I'm going to start on the front axle here pretty soon. Probably ordering parts today or tomorrow.
In my experience, the only thing that I know that must be replaced (besides the ring and pinion obviously) is the crush sleeve. I've never purchased a full flown install kit and never had a problem. Even on my truck with 115,000 miles (gears replaced around 60,000). But, my tolerance level is different...I know if seal or bearing goes out later, I can fix it. For someone that would have to pay a shop to go back in there then they might be worth it.
If you're just an oil changer then these guys might be right. Your call, but it is not an impossible task by any means.
I've done it a couple of times and funny you should ask...getting ready to do it again. I had the rear axle in my truck done and paid a reputable shop to do since it's a daily driver. The only reason was I didn't want the chance of getting some whine if I did it. As it turned out, still got a little anyways. I regret not doing it myself. But, I never did the front axle. Now I live where I'm going to get some snow, so I'm going to start on the front axle here pretty soon. Probably ordering parts today or tomorrow.
In my experience, the only thing that I know that must be replaced (besides the ring and pinion obviously) is the crush sleeve. I've never purchased a full flown install kit and never had a problem. Even on my truck with 115,000 miles (gears replaced around 60,000). But, my tolerance level is different...I know if seal or bearing goes out later, I can fix it. For someone that would have to pay a shop to go back in there then they might be worth it.
If you're just an oil changer then these guys might be right. Your call, but it is not an impossible task by any means.


