Installing New Locker/special Tools Needed?

do I need to buy a case spreader to put a locker in my flanged dana 44? I thought I can pull the axle shafts out and the case/ gears will pop out, put new one in? my friend is saying that I'll need a case spreader.
I would just like to know before I get into this and I realize I need it or I buy one and I do not need it.

 

I've never need a case spreader yet after pulling many ring and pinions while parting out axles. I've always been able to pop them out with a pry bar, being very careful not to damage any teeth. I always pry on the ring gear bolts and the inner part of the gear on the opposite side of the bolts. Work side to side patiently. Shouldn't be too difficult.

Reinstalling, which I've not done much of, usually goes with a dead blow hammer, carefully working back and forth, side to side. YMMV

 

The carrier bearings need to have some prerload on them so the carrier is a tight fit in the housing. A spreader makes it easier but its not necessary. A dial indicator, good brass punch and a pair of setup bearings are the only special tools you really need. A micrometer or calipers to measure shim thickness would aslo be nice to have.

 

Yep.. that's how I did it..

 

No case spreader here

 

One of these. It's a hard sell if you're only using it once or twice, but it will ensure you don't FUBAR the bearings while pulling them.

 

Might want to see if you can find set up bearings somewhere.

 

What kind of locker is it? if It's a lunch box locker, no bearing adjustment will be required.

 

Are any special tools needed If one wants to renew bearings gaskets and seals during a lunchbox install? I want to check pattern and preloads but I'm not sure there is a cheap way to check the drag.

 

Drag (preload) isn't an issue unless you find a spun race.
I wouldn't replace the bearings unless they are bad, especially in the front.
Rule of thumb on used gears is once the pattern is there, you don't want to shift it.
If you think you may be replacing the carrier bearings, do a backlash/wipe prior to removal to insure you reinstall to the previous settings.
I would simply check for chipped/damaged teeth and inspect the carrier bearings while it is out.

 

It's mostly pinion noise similar to the intermediate gear. I can hear it over the truck when flat towing (without a driveshaft).
I had previously towed it with a leaked out diff and it got HOT!

My locker install is a good opportunity to address this but not necessarily needed for the install.