Front differential question

[Lanky]

I am pretty sure that I have a bearing making noise in my front diff. Can I replace the pinion bearing and reinstall my chunk and shims the way they came out or will it need to be set up again. I acknowledge that it may have worn the ring and pinion and may need to be swapped. Used ones in my area are $200. I can buy the bearing kit for @$100 but do not know about setting up the backlash.

 

[nelsona19]

you should be fine reusing the gears just make sure not to get the carrier bearing shims mixed up, and if u replace the pinion bearings make sure to get a new crush sleeve and not to over tighten the pinion bearing

 

[gijoecam]

You should not need to re-shim the carrier as long as you reinstall the snims on teh sides they came out of, but you may need to adjust the pinion depth with the new bearings. You will definitely want to check the pattern before and after the bearing change.