Befor I start i did do a search could'int find what i needed to know! Ok Iam biying gear's 373's and I need to know what I need as far as installation kit's i do neeed new axle bearing's what else is need thanx for any input. I no this topic is old all ready.
whell, you should get an install kit...that includes, or should, Outer wheel bearings and seals, inner carrier bearings, shims, pinion bearings and seals, and crush spacer, etc. basically if your gonna do gears, get the rear end all re-done, also a trac-loc rebuild if yours is old.
This isnt something you should do yourseld unless you have extensive tools to do it correctly. Ask your mechanic what you need.
Check out my sig, it has a full write up, including a list of tools/supplies needed in a document entitled (tools needed for gear install) or something like that.
Most importantly, if you get FMS gears, you will remove a lot of worries, so don't buy any other gear. A bare bones install would require some RTV, gear oil and friction modifier, PB blaster (penetrating oil) and that is it.
But I would, at the bare minimum, replace the diff shaft locking bolt and the diff shaft if it's really hard to get out or slightly bent. Also replace your pinion seal and buy an extra set of crush collars (called pinion spacers by some) in case you accidently overtorque the pinion nut when setting the drag on the pinion. Most of these supplies can be had at autozone and the bolt/shaft can be had at carquest.
Remember to spray the ABS sensors the night before with penetrating oil. It will save you a $50-100 dollar bill if you break them while taking them out. The more you spray, the easier they will come out....trust me on this one. PB blaster is your friend.
Scott
I would say to get a new pinion bearing and shims for between that and the pinion head. then there is no need for a press and most install kits come with this.
mustands unlimited sells a kit with the bearing, oil, gears, etc for like $250... That is the bare minimum to me. I tried to do without new bearings and all I did was end up with a toasted pinion beaing so I had to have all of it done again...