Swapping Front Axle Assemblies

[Bronco638]

Hi All,
I would very much like to upgrade to 4.10 gears (from 3.55s) and am trying to determine the best (and most cost effective) way to complete the job. I plan to remove the assembly myself (thanks to Jefe's thread).

I can source the ring & pinion for about $125. But, now I will need to have someone (dealer?) do the install and set the backlash and preload.

Another thought is to buy a used assembly with 4.10 gears. Now all I would have to do is install a new bearing kit (which I planned to do anyway), the locker (No-Spin) and swap axle assemblies.

Does anyone see anything wrong with my logic if I went with the latter plan? I have a '96 with the vacuum disconnect and would source a vacuum assist axle assembly.

Thanks, Dave.

 

[Jefe]

If you can find a housing w/ 4.10's in it already, for less than $300 (vs. gears and install) I'd say go for it. I'd look for a '97+ housing and ditch the vacuum disconnect (it will be worthless with a locker anyway). Plus, I beleive the 4.10's because more popular with the SOHC engine. Be sure to get the inner passenger axle shaft if you go with a '97+. I'm also not sure whether or not the passenger half-axle will be interchangable.

If you do end up regearing your current housing, labor should cost $100-150 out of the truck. I'd search for a rear-end shop. Ask local racers and local custom shops who they use / out-source to.

 

[Bronco638]

Thanks Jeff.

However, I got the impression from Gerald's Front Locker Install post that having the vacuum disconnect would be kind of a nice thing to have. I was planning to do the Brown Wire mod as well as the Vacuum Disconnect mod so I could have 2 Wheel Lo as well as 3 Wheel Hi/Lo in addition to 4 Hi/Lo.

And, just so I understand, the passenger side inner axle shaft may be different on the 97+ due to to the vac disconnect on the 95-96, right?

I found two locations, near Chicago, that have a front axle assembly (w/ disconnect) with 4.10s for $250 each. The local Ford dealer quoted me three hours labor to R&R the ring & pinion, set the backlash and pinion preload. That comes to almost $270. Adding that to the parts (R&P and bearing kit) and the total comes to $470. So, buying the used front assembly with the 4.10s looks pretty cost effective.

Just for fun, I got a quote, from my local Ford dealer, to swap the rear ring & pinion and install the locker. About $720 for labor alone. I may check around though. There are quite a few racers in the area, including an IRL team. Perhaps I'll look into finding a rear axle assembly with 4.10 diff.

Thanks again, Dave.

 

[Jefe]

While 3 wheel drive would be cool, I'm just worried about how well it'd hold up. Not to mention its hard enough for me to remember to switch between 2wd and 4wd. . .having another switch =

And, just so I understand, the passenger side inner axle shaft may be different on the 97+ due to to the vac disconnect on the 95-96, right?

Yes. The inner axle shaft WILL be different. I don't know about the half-shaft. I'm thinking they're interchangeable, I'm just not 100% certain.

 

[rock]

hello! i'm new to this forum and i have a question.i have a 89 bronco
II,3 in body lift and looking to upgrade my axles for some serious trailriding and deer hunting.i have come across a rolling chasis from a 76 bronco and was wondering just how big a deal this conversion would be?any info would help.thanks.