Help, replacing front axle

[wpurple]

Hi All,
Now that I have decided that I am going to replace the F&R axle from 3.27 to 3.73...
I was looking thru the manual and one it seems for 95 and newer the proceedure becomes quite intense as opposed to the earlier ones...What I am getting at is, since I am not going to do the work myself, Is there really anything that a reputable garage can screw up? Should I be there the whole time making sure they follow all the rules the book lays out? I hate to regret changing the axle only to open up a can of worms with from drive assembly problems
Comments, opinions, welcome

TIA,
Kurt

 

[TarHeel085]

well first it should be replacing the gears not axles. cause if it was axle's you would be lookin at a REALLY high bill! i dont know much about this but im sure its not that hard!

 

[ok89]

Yeah, there really is no reason to replace the axles. Just have them regeared. The rear axle will be easy for them and shouldn't take them too long. The front axle, however, isn't as easy. Overall you should be looking at around 1000 dollars for the whole process. (Note...I have never done gears nor had them done to my vehicle...the ballpark estimate i have given is purely based on information i read on this board or think i have read on this board.)

 

[wpurple]

No-one aroung this area (CT) will even consider regearing the axles. I have called all over.
Many suggested that if I do decide to change ratios that I should just go to the bone yard and swap axles which I plan on doing??
I have heard in the past, nightmares about people who have had ring and pinion work done........

The difference in labor hours are probuble equal comparing re-gearing to axle swap.

$1000 to $1400 for both axles with low miles..plus labor
Yup, alot of money but way cheaper then to buy another Explorer plus the new Explorer Sports are FUGLY IMO.

-K

 

[TarHeel085]

well i mean if you want new axles just screw it and geta solid axle in the front. youd prob have to wait for the fabtech kit though.