pcolwell

How do you reinstall spider gears on a 2003 jeep cherokee laredo? We are having trouble getting the gears to line up

sportrider

did you pull them out? on mine I had pulled them to install a junkbox locker that didn't work right so I had to reinstall the spiders. mine had a thrust washer on each side gear and a rounded spacer on top of each spider gear. the hardest part was timing the gears correctly so the crosspin would go through the carrier and both spiders. once the crosspin is through install the keeper bolt and your good. (to save yourself trouble, make sure you install the crosspin the right way the first time, the crosspin only has a hole for the keeper on one side.)

pcolwell

The wheel bearing had to be replaced and the spider gears come out when the axel was removed.

sportrider

I clocked mine 180 degrees opposite of each other in the openings of the carrier and just rolled them into place. it took a few tries to get them in there right.

pcolwell

Thank you we will try that when I get home. I sure hope this works. We were told to pull the other axle.

sportrider

your welcome!
it's easy to pull the axles, just remove the C-clip and they'll slide out. I got pretty quick at swapping them. you'll get it!

pcolwell

Would that be an easier fix?

sportrider

yes it's easier if both axles are out.(you don't have to pull them completely, just enough to clear the side gears) that way you can rotate the carrier or side gears with out fighting the drag of the entire wheel assembly. also with the truck on jack stands you can have it in neutral so the entire carrier can be rotated. makes the job a lot easier.

pcolwell

Thanks again. We fought with it last night for a couple of hours. The axel trick should work hopfully.

pcolwell

I have to thank you for all of your help with the re-installation of the spider gears. We clocked them 180 like you suggested and they turned right in to place. I just wanted to let you know that it worked perfectly.