I have a stock 1997 F150 with the 4.6L 4X4 with 165 K and would like to replace the ring and pinion. What is a good source to purchase and is it something a medium novice (weekend mechanic) can tackle?

Thanks in advance!

 

i ordered my R&P from 4wheel parts. its not horrible, just make sure you have a gauge to measure backlash and some gear paint to check how it contacts.

 

 

I bought yukon gearsets from 4 wheel parts. its an intense job, with very little room for error. The one major turnoff is that unless you can borrow all of the tools and have a good/ experienced resource for help, it will cost you more to buy the tools you need than it will to have them installed.

Just food for thought.

 

click here

 

I was watching a gear swap on Xtreme 4X4 last weekend, and they said that it would be worth the cost of the tools if you plan on doing the same job more than once in your lifetime. However, this is not as easy as an oil change. You still have to factor in what your mistakes during the learning curve will cost you.

 

Not much too it guys, if you can follow instructions and do simple math you're about half way there.

Basic hand tools, and a magnetic base dial caliper. put the back lash in spec, the mesh pattern should be even and centered. hell i've even reused my crush sleeve with no ill effects in over 5k miles, 3k with a lightning powerplant. i just reset my rotational drag (pinion preload) back within spec.

 

Most auto owners do not do anything beyond the simple oil change themselves. And with the convenience of lube shops on every corner offering up the $19.95 oil change, a lot of us aren't even doing that anymore. Klitch, not everyone is mechanically inclined and/or even has those basic hand tools. What's even worse is the guys with the tools, who aren't mechanically inclined, but think that they are. Remember Tim Allen's character on Home Improvement?

 

i suppose your right... but i learned myself by repairing my rear end because it failed after a "shop" did it... something about walking ring gear bolts out after a shop did the work is unacceptable.

the main reason i do my own work... when and where i can, no one to blame except myself. no more worrying about getting short changed on oil, someone forgetting a few bolts, tq specs. whatnot.

 

i recently changed the clutch pack in my diff, it was not hard at all, took me about 2hrs. After doing that job i would like to change my gears. The only problem I see is pressing the bearings. Other simple tolls are needed to measure backlash and paint to check gear fitment. With the right tools it does not seem like a hard job, just time consuming if you dont get it right!

 

you can install bearings with a soft blow and an appropriate size pusher. some people like to hone out the old bearings inner race and use it.

 

I was just told that my ring and pinon bearings needed to be replaced (have had a whistling type sound coming from the rear, which was somehow causing my abs to kick on)..... $165 for diagnosis, $465 for parts, $600 for labor (ouch).. does this seem reasonable??? my 05 fx4 only has 36k but is out of warranty (should have got the extended...kickin myself in the head now)

 

600 labor include the diag time? cuz thats 8 hours roughly or 10 hours if its 60/hr.

 

includes diagnosis time

 

JEGS Ring & Pinion Set Up Tool Kit

JEGS universal pinion depth tool properly sets your pinion depth to prevent ring gear whining, premature wear and failure and works with most any differential.

Features:
# Calibration block that is machined from extruded aluminum and flat-bottom drilled for pinpoint accuracy. It is designed to be held comfortably during use or placed in a vise.
# All aluminum components are hard anodized for strength, durability and for a lifetime of use.
# Includes a Jegs dial indicator that accurately measures in .001'' increments.
# Includes 3 dial indicator extensions for use with most any differential.
# Laminated, detailed instructions that won't get ruined by fluids or dirt and won't deteriorate over time.
# Has a custom molded case, components are stored securely to prevent damage and protect your investment when not in use.
# Made In USA