Removing differential ring gear and carrier

[ppeters914]

I want to clean up the aluminum differential housing, then clear coat it. Would be easier to manhandle if I can reduce the weight.

Looks like only 4 nuts to remove the ring gear carrier assembly.

Any potential problems or warnings?

Thanks,

[vinechoy]

It can be a very finicky job to place new ring and pinion gears. It takes a lot of measuring and setting up. If you do remove the existing ring gear, you need to make sure that your replace any and all shims in the correct places where they came from.
Some caution needs to be exercised.

VIney

[C.Costine]

Isn't there a specific pre-load that is supposed to be set on the bearings using the shims?

[Linda]

Would a transmission shop be the right place for this type of job?
Linda

[redroadster]

Yeah ,dont
Pu

[redroadster]

Yeah ,dont
Pull the ring gear that is
It would be a tough polish job with the fins IMO . I guess it could be hung from a chain .
I have been to 2 differential school classes ( and wish I had not )volvo & Mitsu , it can be very frustrating to get right

[ppeters914]

Sorry I wasn't more clear.

I am -NOT- removing the ring gear.

I am swapping the entire housing and guts from a later 3.7 differential to replace the 3.9 differential in my nice 'n' shiny, freshly powder coated '67 1600 rear end. That's everything in this picture.



I want to clean and clear coat the aluminum housing (Item 7). An empty housing would be ideal, but I know I'd have to take it to a rear end shop for reassembly. Did not want that extra expense.

I was wondering if I could remove the 4 nuts and washers (Items 11 and 12) from the side bearing retainers to remove the entire gear case assembly (carrier, side (or spider) gears, ring gear, ring pinion, etc.) to reduce the weight so the housing and forward parts are a little easier to handle during cleaning. Once done, just drop in the gear case assembly, and tighten down the 4 nuts.

Problem? No problem?

[pebbles]

Shouldnt be any problem if you paint stripe, keep everything in order, and use the axles from the 3.7.

[ppeters914]

Shouldn't be any problem if you paint stripe, keep everything in order, and use the axles from the 3.7.

Going to use axles from 3.9 since they have new bearings and powder coated backing plates.

[redroadster]

A spreader tool is needed ( some use a large pry bar ,Jeep ) still ...to remove the carrier assy . On the conventional style , you can try and see how loose it is when apart

[Toptech360]

A spreader tool is needed ( some use a large pry bar ,Jeep ) still ...to remove the carrier assy . On the conventional style , you can try and see how loose it is when apart

I dont believe a spreader tool is necessary. Usually those are only needed on rear axle assemblies that do not use a drop out "3rd member". Its not the type where the axle housing itself holds the differential and there is a rear cover plate. The datsuns are like toyotas (and others) that use a removable 3rd and don't utilize a rear cover plate. Shouldn't need a spreader tool.

And as long as eveything is put back exactly as it was taken apart and re torqued correctly removing the carrier assembly should not be an issue.

[pebbles]

Shouldn't be any problem if you paint stripe, keep everything in order, and use the axles from the 3.7.

Going to use axles from 3.9 since they have new bearings and powder coated backing plates.

Check the splines in the side gears for ANY sign of wear.

[spyder]

I have changed open differential guts with a posi unit several times to get different ratios and my conclusion is as long as you keep the ring and pinion together with the pumpkin all is good. To me it seems the machining on the case is very consistent. It would not hurt so check the contact patch after the swap to verify long life.

[redroadster]

The white lead grease was a quick easy way to check the contact pattern
No more though

[ppeters914]

The white lead grease was a quick easy way to check the contact pattern. No more though

Wow! Don't believe I've heard white lead grease in over 20 years.