Number7 64 Posted July 19, 2020 My 1992 XJ (Clifford) is making whining a noise from the rear diff area, that gets louder with speed. I put the Jeep on jack stands (after reassuring Diane that they weren't from Harbor Freight) and determined that the noise is coming from the pinion bearing. I'm planning to disassemble the diff, and replace the pinion bearings (and maybe the carrier bearings while I'm in there). My question is, if I put everything back together the way it is, and only replace the bearings, will it throw anything off? Like gear tolerances? What can go wrong? What should I be cautious of? I am no gear expert, I have never done this before. I am venturing into uncharted waters here! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Curly 457 Posted July 19, 2020 Dana 44 uses a shim pack, not a crush sleeve, so you shouldn't have any problems with gear lash when reassembling. Differential gears are not my area of expertise either. Not much call for that in a High School setting, although I remember doing at least 2. Both of those used crush sleeves. They were a PITA. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gearhead 291 Posted July 20, 2020 It can be done, but it is a major PITA. You will have to pull the old bearings and press on the new ones which is no small task. If you count the exact number of turns to take off the pinion nut and tighten with the same number of turns, it could work. I would still recommend checking the backlash with a dial indicator (spec. is ~ .008" to .012" I think) both before and after. The new bearings will seat slightly different than the old worn ones. Google is your friend on this one. There are tons of write ups and Youtube videos. Let me know if you decide to tackle this. I'll assist the best I can. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theksmith 2,927 Posted July 20, 2020 i have a dial indicator if you want to borrow it G 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Number7 64 Posted July 20, 2020 I do want to tackle this but first I need to find out what backlash is and buy a diff bearing puller set. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ob1jeeper 362 Posted July 20, 2020 7 minutes ago, Number7 said: I do want to tackle this but first I need to find out what backlash is and buy a diff bearing puller set. This is the best I can do without being home to look into my manuals for specs you will need G... https://www.drivetrainspecialists.com/setup-specs 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Number7 64 Posted July 20, 2020 I drained the diff oil and took the pan out in the sun and stirred the oil and saw lots of shiny glitter. The glitter makes me think the the damage might mean all bearings and possibly gears. I have decided to rent a U-haul trailer and take it to 4Wheel Parts in Mesa. 1 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
