rear end rebuild kit

[E-rock]

do they make a rebuild kit for the 8.8 inch rear end for a 2001? there is a lot of play in my rear drive shaft from the differential and i think its causing more problems than i need. is there a kit i can buy to replace all gears inside? and should i upgrade to a different ratio for 33's? do they make an inexpensive locker i can install while its in pieces?

 

[E-rock]

bump

 

[IZwack]

What kind of "play" is it? Rotational or lateral (up/down/left/right)?

If its rotational, also called "backlash", then thats okay and every axle has to have some backlash.

If its laterall, then all you need to do is replace the pinion bearings (and races). This is doable at home but you should block out at least a weekend for the process -- maybe a day more if you haven never opened an axle before. The most difficult part of replacing the pinion's bearings is crushing the "crush sleeve" -- which typically requires a ~5-ft extension on a breaker bar.

Yes you do have to regear to run 33's as soon as possible after throwing those tires on -- 4.56 ratio works well with 33s for the 4.0L engines. You will need the gears (of course) and a master install kit. There are many vendors on the 'net but EricAutoParts, one of the vendors on Explorerforum, also sells these items. As for the installation, you probably will need to take it to a drivetrain or a speed shop because it takes a few specialized tools.

 

[E-rock]

wow. thank you. that was a very detailed description. the play is rotational, but i feel like its too much. i can feel the play when i switch from park to drive and the driveshaft spins before it catches the gear or whatever in the rear diff. i have taken the differential apart before but only breifly to replace the seal behind the crush washer and yoke or whatever its called. i thought if i replaced the gears i could just take the old ones out and install the new ones. do they make an inexpensive locker i could also put in there?

 

[ericautopart]

I've got those 8.8 LSD's cheap (190.00). Master kit is 76.00 (Bearings, seals, crush, shims, bolts, gasket)..If your looking to re gear I could make a package deal for you. I don't know what kind of money you've got and judging on the rest of the country's situation..you don't have much.. Let me know what you need and we'll get your re geared for a good price.

Thanks IZwack for the plug..

 

[E-rock]

am i going to have to regear both front and rear diff's

 

[ericautopart]

am i going to have to regear both front and rear diff's

Only if you plan to change the ratio. If you just need rear end repairs, then you don't need to touch the front.

 

[BtownB10]

Cool site thanks

 

[BtownB10]

Whoops...disregard last post...too many windows open