Dana 44 Overhaul

Thanks Nick. Also happy the site is up and running.

 

X2 on the site. I was starting to have withdrawal symptoms....

Don

 

The oil slinger mystery is solved. I've been fretting this little thing for over a week and finally figured out where it fits. It sits on the front bearing (yoke side) with the cup side resting on the bearing. Any other way and it either won't fit or it will be distorted when the pinion nut is tightened. No, it's not a crush washer. It's an oil slinger.

I used the bearing removal tools from extremecustomparts on the carrier and pinion and that was way too fun. Three bearings off - poof - 5 minutes. Making up my set-up bearings this weekend. Already made a set-up race so I'm good there. Grinding on this metal takes awhile. Don't want them sloppy I think, just snug and easy to remove so i don't damage the shims. Glad i don't make my living on this, I'd be living under a bridge.

 

I found a very nice Ring gear contact pattern chart. The website is
http://departments.weber.edu/automotive/YouTube/Weber_Ring_Gear_Contact_Pattern_Interpretation.pdf
It comes from Weber University. They also have a couple of youtube videos. Link to the pinion bearing preload, basklash, pattern, video:
http://youtu.be/dAqAqODmcj4

None of this is specific to the Dana 44 but it sure helps as a general guide to understanding set-up.

 

great links, thanks elvis.

 

Another question guys. The pinion seal has a sort of dust shield attached to the OS face. Looks like a big washer with a lip out at the pinion. The new seal from Randy's didn't have this and they don't know anything about a dust shield. If I install as-is I think the pinion shaft & seal lip will be slightly exposed. Not sure i have a choice other than to go with what I've got.

 

I think I know what you're talking about. The old seal was metal on the outside and the rubber was not exposed? No problem there, the new seal is just different designed.

 

Exactly. You described it well. Thanks Nick.

 

ok, so the machine shop charged 15.75 to press my pinion bearing. i'm good with that. One step closer to assembly.

 

ah, so the pinion nut bearing preload of 10-20 in/lbs is without the carrier installed? If true, why don't the specs state a total preload as well? Or am i in a confused state?

 

and the machinist said to use a black magic marker for checking the pattern. said it works great. Hmmm.

 

Preload would be inaccurate with the case installed. You would be measuring friction of the case as well as the pinion. I suppose a black marker would work. I've never used one. You will need very clean teeth or the marker won't even mark though.

 

so how did it go roger?

 

The pinion bearing preload is indeed checked without the CASE installed. The case is the part the ring gear is bolted to and houses the differential (side and pinion) gears. The carrier is the part that houses the drive pinion gear, the ring gear, the differential case, etc.
If the case is installed It increases drag as was stated. Often times pinion bearing preload is set without the pinion seal installed for the same reason. Remember, we are talking about lbs. inch which is very very small. 12 lbs. inch equals 1 lbs. foot.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Oops. I know better. Edit post complete. Must be the old timers.

 

once again. good information. thanks guys. Been traveling so Elvis sits without a rearend. Hoping to get back on it this weekend.