rebuilding rear differential - tool recommendations

[69Tom]

I'm gathering parts to rebuild my rear differential/axle. I've been looking at some tools to help me with the job. Some brands are absurdly expensive, but I think owning a micrometer or two to help with pinion depth and shimming is a good idea for the long run, along with a bearing driver, etc.

Does anyone have an recommendations for good, but not break the bank for measurement devices, bearing drivers, etc?

I quite like the video on YouTube that was put up by Hagerty. I just wish he talked about where he got the tools/what brand he was using....

Thanks in advance.

[68c10owner]

Summit has a nice dial indicator that works pretty good. They have bearing race drivers too. You will also want a socket big enough for the pinion nut and if possible a pinion locking tool to keep the yoke from spinning while tightening. You can use a pipe wrench if you have to but I know I`ve seen the tool for sale somewhere.

[PGSigns]

You can shop the tools from Harbor freight to snapon. The harbor freight stuff will work for how often you use the stuff. You may need a slide hammer for getting races and axle bearings out, a press for getting bearings on, a dial type inch pound torque wrench for the pinion bearing preload, a three pound hammer for driving stuff in, a torque wrench for the other bolts, a way to hold the pinion yoke, marking compound for checking the pattern, sealer and loktite and a way to wash parts. On a 12 bolt the best way to get the shims in the carrier and set the carrier preload is with a case spreader. They are expensive to buy and if you have access to the tools you can make one. It really makes getting the preload correct a lot easier. I use the spacer kit for the pinion bearings instead of the crush sleeve on the rears I do. It allows you to get the preload set for both the pinion and the pinion plus the carrier with out the seal in the housing and then pull the yoke install the seal and torque the pinion nut and your done. No worries on if your back to where you started or not.
Jimmy

[mongocanfly]

And you'll need lots of patience...I mean alot....

All my dial indicators, mag bases and micrometers are starrett...cost more, but I'm a machinist so quality is a big thing to me

[burnin oil]

Can you buy patience? Anyways. A dremel tool for grinding the old bearings to make setup bearings. They make life alot easier.

[biketopia]

Originally Posted by burnin oil

Can you buy patience? Anyways. A dremel tool for grinding the old bearings to make setup bearings. They make life alot easier.

This, opening up the lower pinion beairing so you can change out the depth shim without pulling and pressing bearings on and off is very nice.

OP are you changing anything, gear set, carrier, both, just new bearings?

[MySons68C20]

I'm with PG & Biketopia on this.....I bought a set of "set up" bearings along with the pinion spacer shim kit. I must of had the center section in and out 2 dozen times before I was happy with the set up.
It was my first time (no laughing) doing this and I got a second opinion on my pattern from a local pro I know just to make sure.
It was extremely satisfying learning how and doing it myself!
Good luck and have fun!

[69Tom]

Originally Posted by biketopia

This, opening up the lower pinion beairing so you can change out the depth shim without pulling and pressing bearings on and off is very nice.

OP are you changing anything, gear set, carrier, both, just new bearings?

Yep, changing the gear set (to 3.08), installing an OEM posi, and then got the master build kit from Yukon for my bearings and whatnot.

[69Tom]

Originally Posted by burnin oil

Can you buy patience? Anyways. A dremel tool for grinding the old bearings to make setup bearings. They make life alot easier.

Yep, got that and was planning on doing the same. Can't imagine pressing and removing the bearings on and off.

[69Tom]

Thanks guys. Hope to be getting to this in the next couple weeks. That is, if I don't have to spend any more time pulling my front end apart. Every bolt is so rusty I've had to cut it off, including just cutting the ball joint spindles. I love east coast trucks. One would think I would know better....

[MySons68C20]

Please let us know how it turns out.....I love hearing "the rest of the story"