Rear end swap

[bamsho]

Well got the bad rear out, you know something is up when you don't have the rotors on and driveshaft unhooked and it take real effort to spin the rear around. Now will swap over some parts, and hopefully have the new one installed is coming weekend. Actually came out with little headache, hopefully it goes back in the same way.

 

[Bowesmobile]

Was it pretty straight forward or is there anything someone changing one out should look out for? You're in Williamsport? My mother in law lives in Canton. When we travel up to see them we usually stay in Williamsport.

 

[71Rcode]

I've been contemplating this as well just to get a trac loc unit. My 4x4 has a 3.31 rear open. But in the end, felt it wasn't worth the time/money to do the swap. Living in TX, I'll probably never need trac loc like you guys up north.

 

[Bowesmobile]

For me its more about towing. But in the snow is a good point. I have other things to fix in the mean time. Before I tackle a job like this. But it never hurts to research well in advance of doing a job.

 

[bamsho]

Actually straight forward. I have "Bertha" ( expedition nickname ) on cinder block under the frame. The worse trouble is the bolts in the control arms rusting fast to the sleeves. Had to cut one bolt since it has to slide out towards the fuel tank. Actually I'm in South Williamsport, right across from Penn College. I'm just using hand tools. I bought a good used set of upper and lower trailing arms. The fluid in the bad rear is like mud and takes real effort to spin it around. Bertha has 9.75 rear with LS 3.73 gears, I got the new used rear from Harry's U Pull it for $90. I'm replacing Ebrake pads and hardware since Im right there too.

 

[71Rcode]

That's good to know and a great price, man! Tough finding a t-lock with the mighty 3.31 gears, I promise you. I could drop in a trac loc unit and clutches into my existing rear/axle housing but the set up cost is more than I'd want to spend.

I like your idea of finding an entire unit and dropping in. Only worry is going to all that trouble with a trac-loc and somebody didn't maintain it correctly -- so I'd be back to square one (open rear = burned out clutch pack) with a potentially noisy gear set.

 

[bamsho]

Yes, I'm taking a chance to on the new used unit. I removed diff cover and the fluid looks good. Only going to run it for a week or 2 at the most and change out the fluid. Everything goes well, should have her running this weekend.

 

[bamsho]

Just finished up putting the new used rear in today. Only issue I ran into was the good used trailing arms had the bigger bolts and had to drill out the hole on axle and frame, no biggy. Took for test drive, felt and sounded good, no more moaning and groaning when I make turns from a stop. Now Im treating myself with a large glass of rum and coke.

 

[71Rcode]

Cool to hear, man. What did you learn/do that you could share that would save you time the next time? Any surpring tools / tool combinations needed? And just curious about the time you have in the swap. Thanks!

 

[bamsho]

I need a bigger jack, just have a small one here. If you thinking about it, I would def buy a new set of trailing arms with hardware, makes life easier. The bolts on the arm in the axle were frozen fast to the rubber. After you get the rear out, Id put the tires back on so you can move it around a lot easier. Learned that the hard way, ouch. Also double check hardware, to see if you need to enlarge the mounting holes on body and new rear. Putting the body high in the air is up to you, I just put mine high enough so the tires were off the ground. Good time to check rear sway bar endlinks too, I replaced both mine. Oh yeah, have a good impact gun, I used my dewalt cordless, but also had to use my breaker bar too. Front left lower trailing arm bolt may need to be cut in two since it hits the gas tank and you can't get it out. What made things nice for me, is that we have 3 cars, so I could take my time and in case I ran into something I didn't need to rush. If you are thinking about this, make a parts list and get all your parts ahead of time, makes life easier. Time wise, you should be able to swap out in a weekend. Hope this helps.