do it yourself arb install question.

[zombie66]

i want to install an arb locker and the 31 splines yukon axles in to the ford big bearing 9" and an arb install on my dana 44. i want to learn to do my own install on both. i know it is a critical process and i want to take my time and do it right. does anyone have any tech article links that will walk me through each of these applications. i have been able to do everything so far on my bronco and i want to learn this process. thank you for any help or links, kevin
p.s. i have seen other install articles but none were on the setups that pertain to the bronco setups

 

[Tito]

Hey this isnt exactly what you asked for (not Bronco spcific) but it is a real nice step by step on a D60 ARB and gear install. I think I read it like 5 times the first time I saw it. I'd love to learn how to set up gears.
http://www.broncoii4x4.com/Dana60-Setup/part-I/gear_setup-1.php

 

[zombie66]

hey josh! do you know if that article is basically the same exact steps for the dana44?

 

[70_Steve]

Nice article on the 9"
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/9/065/article/Ford_9_Inch_RebuildGear_Setup.html

 

[Tito]

I think it is. My understanding although relatively shallow is that its basically the same. When you decide to do it, I'll bring some beer and lend a hand. Give a shout out to Robert (the guy with the yellow beast) too, he sets up his own gears and I think has done a few ARBs.

 

[fordguy]

completeoffroad has a video http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VIDE...ItemQQcategoryZ43998QQihZ002QQitemZ4625983571

 

[Steve]

Here are a couple of good links for gear installs:

Ford 9"

More "generic," including Dana axles, gear patterns and spec sheet (last page) for all common axles.

I've installed ARBs; the best advice I can give you is to FOLLOW THE ARB INSTRUCTIONS TO THE LETTER. Their instruction/install manual is very good, and covers everything except gear setup and patterns. Follow it carefully.

You'll need to buy or borrow a few special tools, including a dial indicator with magnetic base, good dial-indicating in-lb torque wrench and a case spreader for the D44. But hey, getting new tools is never a bad thing.

Good luck. It's not that hard, but it's time consuming, especially the first time you do it.

 

[zombie66]

man that is some great tech info thanks alot. and when i get the lockers josh ill give you a call. maybe we can both learn something. thanks again

 

[Tito]

Yeah I am always up for whatever, any hands on learning and I am there. We still gotta get out there on another trail run sometime soon. This snow has got me hankerin to get out there for some wheelin and thanks to the Colts and Patriots win I can get my CAGE arms! WooHoo!

 

[Scoop]

I've installed ARBs; the best advice I can give you is to FOLLOW THE ARB INSTRUCTIONS TO THE LETTER. Their instruction/install manual is very good, and covers everything except gear setup and patterns. Follow it carefully.

X2. I thought the ARB manual was great and it contained a number of "tips" on how to do different things in an easier way.

 

[ChrisinWV]

YEah , I noticed a few of those after we were done.....LOL
turns out it looks just like the photo and it only took four of us to get it figured out. They really are good directions...
The install really isn't all that bad, although I did have qualified help....well really I was the helper.
Keep it clean!
Chris

 

[zombie66]

thanks for all of the encouragement. i will definately take my time and do it right. if for some reason i dont feel confident i will take it in to a shop. but i want to make a go of it first.

 

[Devin]

Another good link for gear setups for the 44:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/articles/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup

As everyone else stated, the instructions with the ARB are great. I had never done gears before I did mine. It was tedious, but not that bad.

 

[flousberg]

Do you have to use a housing spreader for the D44. If so, does somenone have a drawing to make one?

 

[Devin]

Do you have to use a housing spreader for the D44. If so, does somenone have a drawing to make one?

I didn't use one for mine. Before I did mine, I asked this same question and alot of guys I spoke with advised against using a housing spreader. You can permanently damage your housing fairly easily with one of those is what they told me.

I just used a couple of pry bars for carrier removal. Installation was pretty easy with the ARB, since it is shimmed on the outside of the carrier bearings. You can set the carrier in place, then tap the shims in with the bearing caps and a dead blow.

 

[bob_lafrentz]

Where did you get all the tools to do this? Did you end up buying them? How much?

Thanks. I've just often thought about going down this same road.

 

[IPwizard]

I found this link, Dont know if you can find the same tools cheeper any place else.

http://completeoffroad.com/wsm/i-63_pinion_depth_tool.html

 

[flousberg]

I have seen that, but $249 seems extremely high for something it looks like I could fab up. I have heard differing opinions on using a housing spreader.

 

[bmc69]

YEah , I noticed a few of those after we were done.....LOL
turns out it looks just like the photo and it only took four of us to get it figured out. They really are good directions...
The install really isn't all that bad, although I did have qualified help....well really I was the helper.
Keep it clean!
Chris

'qualified help'...??..yr not going to hear the last of that anytime soon, ole buddy..

The housing spreader, properly used, is a good thing. But you do not have to have one to do the job properly. I use wood wedges myself..many, many setups and none with the slightest issues. Although I might have to put a curse on Chris's now..

 

[Steve]

I have heard differing opinions on using a housing spreader.

I usually don't. However, for an ARB in a D44, the shims go on the outside of the carrier bearings, not the inside. So, to get the correct carrier preload you have to use one.

And for tools, forget that pinion depth thingie in a previous post. %) You can get a depth micrometer at HF for way less $$$ that does a better job. HF also has dial indicators and magnetic bases for a decent price. I don't believe HF sells good dial indicating in-lb torque wrenches tho, which is a must for proper gear installs.