Which specialty tools for axle rebuilds?

[HoosierDaddy]

I just want to do one trip to Harbour Freight....it's a bit of a haul.

I'm working on total disassembly of my 9 and 44 right now.
They will be blasted and epoxy painted.
Rebuilt and regeared for the 3550 with new posi diffs. The 44 will get a disc brake conversion.


Ball joint press for sure.

What about seal and bearing driver sets?
Slide hammer set?
Any other tools for gear set up?

Thanks,
HD

 

[Broncobowsher]

I don't think Harbor freight will have a case spreader for the 44.
HF dial indicator might be a little course for setting backlash.
Torque wrenches, don't forget that little ¼" beam one so you can set bearing drag.
Got the press for doing bearings?

 

[DirtDonk]

Press would be nice, but I've always had good luck with just a big hammer and the right sized sockets.

Spindle puller of some kind in case yours are "stuck" so to speak. If not a specialty type, then the slide-hammer type with some way to grip the spindle efficiently.
Slide hammer also comes in handy if one of your rear axles is temporarily-going-on-permanently stuck.

Spindle seals and rear end seals (if still needed?) were also just hammer and block of wood.

Figure out what you're going to need to install the inner axle seals in the front diff. Is there a tool? Or is it always a make-yer-own type of deal?
Broomsticks and all-thread come to mind!

Gear setup? Dial-indicator and base. Other than that I'm not sure if you need a caliper, or micrometer, or if you can do the whole job with just the dial-indicator. Does the yellow die come with the gears and/or bearing and shim kit?

Epoxy pain, like POR-15? Make darn sure that all of your brackets and perches and whatnot are welded on and properly sized/located BEFORE you paint.
If you're going to relocate your spring perches, pre-fit them now, before paint.
Same goes for any relocated shock mounts in case you are going with one of the rear disc brake kits that requires moving the lower mount.

Good luck!
(but test-fit before paint)

Paul

 

[HoosierDaddy]

SPI epoxy primer, basically satin black....sorry 'bout that. Frame and everything else driveline is getting that also. Radius arms, trans crossmember, etc.

Red oxide for the third member has been whispering at me here lately also, though I am not chasing "Factory" by any means.

Staying with rear drums, I'm not convinced of the need for rear discs, especially considering the cost. My experience with other vehicle rear discs has been less than positive, maintenance-wise.

Looks like i may need to read up on the 44....case spreader??? Damn....WTF am I getting into? LOL

The 9 seems like it would be pretty straight forward, though I have not read up on that thoroughly yet either.

I mean, I've rebuilt entire engines, by the book, I figure should be able to work through these, with good directions.
I just have to get the ball rollin' again....it's been years.

..... or i could just drag all this stuff to "Northern Trans and Differential" about a 1/2 hour away, and pay the man.

 

[cs_88]

I bought this for measuring the case spread when setting carrier bearing preload on the 9".
Worked great.

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/measuring-marking-layout/clamping-dial-indicator-63656.html

 

[ngsd]

Spindle nut socket https://shop.broncograveyard.com/Sp...kopvQF98tbLxOd2xrj6bkXW6KACxU3HBoCV1gQAvD_BwE

Ball joint socket https://www.tomsbroncoparts.com/product/upper-ball-joint-sleeve-adjusting-tool-dana-44-new

 

[Timmy390]

You need setup bearings for the D44.
A race and seal driver set
Shop press sure makes quick work of things
Bearing puller/separator

Tim

 

[SteveL]

If its gonna be a one time thing it might be worth paying to have the gears set up at least on the front. The specialty tools are pricey and if you f' it up at all you'll be buying more gears and lockers. Best bet is find someone near you with the stuff that can walk you thru it for some beer and pizza