Thoughts on rebuilding my own diffs ?

[pongo]

I am toying with the idea of buying the tools needed and rebuilding my own diff centres. I have a Hilux LSD that is cactus after 20,000 km being rebuilt by a diff specialist and i need to swap a lsd over into my MK patrol.

SO, I am thinking that i can practice on my patrol first and if that doenst blow up, I could then rebuild my toy diff.

I know its a pretty major job, But with enough patience and help im sure i can do it with only a few headaches and plenty of beer. I was going to use this link as a basis for my rebuilding instructions http://members.cox.net/cglabe1/Diff/diff.html . And then i just need some help setting up the LSd tightness.


SO, What do yas reckon ? . Or should i just take them somewhere and fork out more $$ and hope for the best

Cheers

[bushpig59]

Pongo I had a quick read on the steps you have to take "looks easy" but you know your own limitations so I going to vote yep...... and remember plenty of pics and let us know the outcome....
Cheers John

[Zeyphly]

they arent too hard but if you get into strife just ask

[ranover]

im toying with the idea myself as the diff specialists i went to wanted to charge me $450 for replacing the pinion bearings when i can buy a second hand diff for $300 remebering its a range rover but still so when i said nah it will be ok they gave it back to me in pieces so now i cant mark it as i pull it apart

so what is the most crucial bit obout rebiulding centres?

cheers dan sorry for the hijack

[Fozdick]

yeah i am in the process of changing ratios for the first time in my patrol , tools required arent that expensive, but can add up if you buy them all at once, i have borrowed what i need so far, Hydrolic bearing puller kit maybe $180 , dial indicator and stand maybe $120. big socket (i needed 30mm) not sure say $20, torque wrench about $200 bearing kit for h233 patrol center $160. And you will need access to a press to install the bearings=Beer. Good luck, some spare axles you can cut down are handy for setting up the LSD.

Shaun.

[-Richo-]

Im no expert on rebuilding diffs but have done it before under the guidance of someone who is, looking at the link you posted i dont think its a good idea to heat the crownwheel with an oxy, when i did it we used boiling water, just boil some up in the kettle and fill up a bucket that you can put the crownwheel in, it worked pretty good and heats the crownwheel up uniformly unlike an oxy would.

DIY, its the best way to learn stuff! I want to start rebuilding diffs myself as well, good luck.

[Zute]

You could heat the ring gear in your home oven. And bake some cookies at the same time.

[pongo]

You could heat the ring gear in your home oven. And bake some cookies at the same time.

yep. The best way indeed. Plenty of cam gears have been put on this way. Thanx for the support guys. Now, Back to my rear 1/4 chop ( lol hack and hammer )

[85lux]

hey guys. i have done a hilux front diff myself. i am a fitter and turner and have all the required facilities though. i think it is possible, just take your time. i did the ring gear in the oven, worked a treat.
i had a diff place check it over for me. they said the pre-load was a little high on the bearings. $80 was cheap insurance for them to check and adjust.

[Gribble]

Do it, you never know until you try. If you purchase all the right tools then there is no reason you cant.

BUT, dont heat the gears up with an oxy. Taking them off should only need a good hit with a rubber/copper hammer. Putting them back on should need boiling water or if you dont mind gear oil flavoured food for a few weeks the oven.