D25 Ring gear opinions?

This is the first time for me rebuilding an axles and I’m having a good experience so far. I have the knuckles off and the axles out I noticed that the ring gear is a little dinged up along with some scoring on the pinion gear, the differential gears look fine.

I know if it was the tranny I would change the gears if they looked like that (pics below), but I not sure what’s acceptable with the ring and pinion gears. Your opinions would help thanks in advance.

 

Chuck-
I'm no expert, but I would replace them just because you may regret not doing it later.

 

looks like the pinion bearing went bad. would change all bearings w/timkens.

 

Correct me if I’m wrong, if the pinion bearing goes bad there will be enough play in the pinion to chip a tooth on the ring gear? You suggest changing all bearing (housing only?) regardless of inspection? I only want a clear picture so I may better understand.

 

It looks like heavy pitting...probably from rust. I would assume the "damage" is contained to a specific area of the ring gear. I have seen many sets like that give years of service under the stock four banger. If you have the money and will to replace them, go ahead and do it. If it were me, (from what I can see by the pictures)as long as the picture and bearings are good, I'd run them.

 

Is it possible to check the pinion and differential bearing without dismantling? If so what is the procedure?

 

not really
you can pop the carrier out, then inspect the carrier bearings
you can then turn the pinion by hand and feel for any roughness or rough spots
with that much water inside, expect to find some pitted bearings as well
as jeepdaddy said, with infrequent and mild 4wd use, they could go a long ways

 

If this was my axle I would run as is after everything checked out fine, but it’s a customers truck so I think it’s best to rebuild. The only trouble with rebuilding it myself is the lack of the proper tools? I don’t own a ring gear and pinion setting gauge and I’m not sure if I need special pullers.

In light of these facts should I rent and just get into it or sub it out? As I mentioned earlier I’m enjoying the experience, but at the same time it’s not my axles and I can’t afford mistakes.

 

If you are going to rebuild it, then you might want to think about new R+P as well. Older worn gears can be a PITA to reset after new bearings are installed. If you decide to use the old R+P, be sure to run a picture before you dissemble the diff. If you are not familiar with rebuilding diffs/setting ring and pinion's and are working on a customer's rig, you might think about farming the job out to a reputable shop. Diff overhauls can be tricky, and if you are charging someone for the work, you'll want it to be right.

 

If it was mine, I would check to see if backlash is not excessive then do as jpflt2a suggested. The chipped off edge of the ring gear makes me wonder if the broken off chips damaged any bearings.

 

Just ordered R/P gear all bearing, cups, oil seals and shims.....I'm going in :twisted:

 

Good for you Chuck. Nothing better than a good project to keep you going!