Gear install - Bearing kits (y/n)?

[Heratik]

I'm going to rebuild my rear end with 3.73's and I'm trying to decide if it's worth it replace the bearings with the FRPP kits (M-4210-B and M-4413-A). Normally I'd simply error on the side of caution and just buy the bearings but cash is a little tight right now and I'd prefer to use the old bearings unless it's strongly recommended to get new ones.

 

[COramprat]

Might as well replace while you have it down. Save another week or so before you do the work.

 

[blackfang]

Save the time and do it while you are in there.

 

[GettinThere]

How many miles on your car? Are you switching from 3.55 to 3.73?

 

[bigcat]

i had 27k on mine and replaced them. get the B kit and call it good.

 

[BennyBlown2v]

YES get new bearings, for sure! Honestly though, I would keep the 3.55's, you won't notice much of a difference between them and 3.73's. Plus, if you make power down the line, you'll want the 3.55's over anything smaller.

 

[blackfang]

I would 4.10's, but that is me.

 

[fobra559]

Yes get the bearing kit, it will save you time and effort down the road. Mine as well when you down there, kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

 

[ErikTheBeast]

Get the kit. Do it once and do it right.

 

[bdcardinal]

replace all bearings, cups, and seals. install the main studs for the caps, buy a girdle. do the job right or dont bother doing it at all.

 

[CobraRed_96_GT]

Ima be the outcast here and say buy the kit but dont put it on until you inspect the bearings and seals. I had my master kit ready to go in until the tech and i saw the bearings and accompanying parts looked and acted about 6 months old. reused the parts, sold the kit. Havent had a problem after 17k miles or so

 

[forum155pl]

Yep do it... dont use knock off berings either.. i used some napa knock offs and i burned up 2 of em.. went to all timkin bearings and had no more problems!

 

[Heratik]

You guys are right, I'm never going to feel like dropping the whole sub frame assembly should a bearing go bad. I think I'll still get the 3.73's since I'm pretty sure my 3.55's are thrashed anyway. They seem like a good compromise between performance and retaining some highway driveability and gas mileage. I think the pinion depth was setup incorrectly, consequently they clank, clunk, and whine. After a year of driving on them like that I'm sure they've got to be hit.

 

[bdcardinal]

use either timkin, FRPP or ford OEM.

 

[bdcardinal]

wait, just saw it was an IRS. ya do all the bearings. install a diff cooler if you have the coinage. the way the exhaust is routed tends to lead to premature failure of the diff clutches(even the carbon fibre ones) when driven hard.

 

[03ghoststang]

i will agree with the others that posted above me and say replace the bearings.