Dana 44 locker install question

[tcjones76]

I picked up a Detroit locker for the front Dana 44 and I have a question (first of many ):

If I reuse the ring and pinion, do I need to change the pinion depth setting? In the Ford Truck manual, setting the pinion depth is done without the carrier installed and one less step would be nice. I guess it depends if the other settings come into alignment at the existing pinion depth.

And is it worth the time to remove the axle housing from the truck? I have this picture in my mind of laying on the driveway, trying to measure backlash!

I welcome all advice.

tcj

 

[evil69]

Remove the axle from the truck. You will be happy you did and get a better final product since you won't be scambling for space. I would leave the pinion in and see what you get.

 

[bronco69drp]

if it was good before, your pinion depth should be fine. backlash is all you should have to worry about. going back with the same gears the new carrier/locker will the ring gear in exactly the same place in relation to the pinion.;D
i've changed out 2 lockers in my d44 with the housing on the truck.%)

 

[racebronco]

don't even take the pinion off if your not changing gears. checking backlash is easy (even on the ground), just use a dial indicator with a magnetic base or a disk brake runnout gauge. the hardest thing with setting backlash on the dana 44 is the shims are under the carrier bearings so they have to be pressed on/off evertime you change the shim to get the right backlash.

 

[tcjones76]

the hardest thing with setting backlash on the dana 44 is the shims are under the carrier bearings so they have to be pressed on/off evertime you change the shim to get the right backlash.

I am looking at getting setup bearings for the carrier. The Ford Truck Manual has the procedures to set the backlash, I just have to read several more times before I get into it.

 

[racebronco]

that's a good idea, I bought 2 sets of bearings & honed out one set to use as set up bearings, not sure what the manufacturing tolerances are but the reading with the setup bearings & the pressed on ones I used were slightly different, but not enough to make much difference. good luck & let us know how it turns out. any other questions just post up or pm..