cscmc1

My '88 Limited has been making a bit of noise lately, and I figure it must be the pinion bearing. I replaced the u-joints just to see what that would do (cheap and easy), but the noise persists. It's sort of a metallic "swishing/rubbing/rumbling" sound. Not a howl, and not real loud, but it's there from about 25mph on up. I'd like to sort this out sooner rather than later.

That said, no one around here wants to mees with a Dana 35. The one shop who will said a ballpark guess for taking it apart and doing all new bearings and seals might run $600. Yikes!

Now, I could look at used axles, but that's a roll of the dice. I could also try to replace the bearings myself. I have the tools necessary, for the most part, and if the pinion and ring check out OK (they certainly look fine from the quick look I took at them), the lash should stay put if I keep the shims in the same place after reassembly, no?

What do y'all think? Can I do this and get the pinion tight and preloaded with the axle still under the Jeep? Or should I pay someone to do it, or roll the dice with a junkyard axle?

Thanks!

KD3NE

I have the same question ... will watch for an answer.

$600? Where is this, I might send mine to them.

A Jeep dealer told me " about $1200 " say it was an 8-10 hour job and their rate is $99/hour.

teh BOMB

pinion bearing rarely go out, how many miles are on your jeep? I would go with a junk yard dana 35. Do you have a lift?, might wanna consider an upgrade. dana 44/ ford 8.8 great strength increase. get an axle with the same gear ratio. Since it is a rear end, swap brakes or put new ones on check the gears carefully for abnormal wear, swap it under and away you go for (depending on your location ) 200$
that is my 2 cents

cscmc1

The local guy is here at a independent shop in Charleston, IL. Sounds like he really knows his stuff. For $600, though, I' 'll probably look for a good used 8.25 or something. That's a lot of dough for a winter beater that I spent less than a grand on in the first place! I DO want to get it fixed, though.

Good luck!

cscmc1

Thanks for the advice -- the XJ's got 163K miles on it. I am thinking JY axle, too. I know of an 8.25 out of a 94 that I can grab for about $100, I think. I can manage the swap myself, I think.

Thanks again!

teh BOMB

there are 8 nuts on the leaf spring pads 4 bolts on the drive shaft 2 brakes e brakes and a breather tube on the axle i think that is it; i think you can do it!!!!!!!!

cscmc1

I believe you're right, sir! I have tackled much worse... sounds like a plan to me.