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[JamesH]

I plan on installing a Detroit locker in my 8.25 rear axle and have read the workshop manual guide and other to doing the job. I just ahve a couple of questions for anyone who can help me:

1. Diff. bearing preload and backlash is adjusted using a special tool - I need to get hold of or make one of these. It looks like a long rod with a large nut at one end and a threaded section at the other - does anyone have details for it?

2. I can (in theory) install the locker without touching the pinion at all. Is it going to be a tougher job if I were to rebuild the pinion setup as well? I have a full overhaul kit so the parts are here but it does seem to complicate things?

3. Any tips on the job or any ideas for things I may not have considered??

TIA, James  

[chrisjones]

Give Mik a call James.  I'm sure he'll give you advice if you need it.
Alternatively, you could just get him to fit it for you, from what I've heard he knows his stuff and reasonably priced.

[JamesH]

I know I can save myself a lot of hassle by having it professionally done but I think of it as a learning process. Undoubtedly I'll be fiddling with axles on this and other vehicles in the future so thought I'd start the tool collection and learning now.

[JamesH]

I've found details of the tool and know how I can make one fairly easily so not too bothered about that now.

But any tips/pointers and advice still wanted.

[Mik]

2. I can (in theory) install the locker without touching the pinion at all. Is it going to be a tougher job if I were to rebuild the pinion setup as well? I have a full overhaul kit so the parts are here but it does seem to complicate things?

Because the 8.25 carrier is so easy to install and set up its really not an issue. If the pinion feels OK when youve got the carrier out and the seals not leaking then leave it alone.
If the seal starts leaking or the axle gets noisy than swap them out later.

Removing the main pinion bearing can be a challenge without a pro puller and setting the pinion bearing preload gets easier once you've done 50 or 60.
But its not rocket science and as long as you leave yourself enough time for the job and have a source for that tool you thought you could do without then have a go.

Ill PM you my phone number, if you want to talk anything through

Mik

[JamesH]

Thanks Mik

The bearing preload/backlash tool can be made by welding a 36mm Hub nut to a piece of tube (about 3-4ft long) with something welded to the other end for a torque wrench (nut or old socket). This is what I found from the US forums and they gave a couple of pictures too - please let me know if this is wrong though??

As there isn't the messing about with shims for backlash on this axle I think as my first bit of diff work I'll leave the pinion alone if possible and keep the job as simple as I can.

I'd be grateful for a contact number just in case something comes up - I plan to give myself a whole weekend just for this, I'm okay at most technical stuff but tell me if you think I should set aside more time??

Thanks again  

[Mik]

Thanks Mik

The bearing preload/backlash tool can be made by welding a 36mm Hub nut to a piece of tube (about 3-4ft long) with something welded to the other end for a torque wrench (nut or old socket). This is what I found from the US forums and they gave a couple of pictures too - please let me know if this is wrong though??

As there isn't the messing about with shims for backlash on this axle I think as my first bit of diff work I'll leave the pinion alone if possible and keep the job as simple as I can.

I'd be grateful for a contact number just in case something comes up - I plan to give myself a whole weekend just for this, I'm okay at most technical stuff but tell me if you think I should set aside more time??

Thanks again  

The tool you describe will work just fine provided it is robust enough not to twist. It does mean however, that you will spend a lot of time wandering around the jeep as you adjust each side and practicing your swearwords when you cant get the 36mm nut to locate.
I use a modified peg spanner originally used on an angle grinder. The handle was split between the pegs and opened up so that the peg spacing matched the diff adjusters. The split section was welded up and ground flat. The pegs needed to be reduced to fit the narrow gap.
It works very well indeed.

A weekend should be just fine as long as you've factored in enough refreshment breaks.

iMk (Anag)