Diff rebuild

[Shane]

Trying to find someone who is has rebuilt Diffs. After I pulled the rear cover on the D44A on my 2000 grand cherokee it looks like the left side bearing is toast. Have some axle play when moving it up and down and you can see the movement at the spider gears. I have done plenty of bearings and seals but never a complete rebuild on a diff. Looking for someone with the no how but still cant bring my self to pay a repair shop any help would be great. Still need to price a kit. Thanks

[Java]

I have never opened a 44a, but I think it's pretty typical aside from being aluminum- if you're not changing gears it's just parts swapping. If the spider gears are bad you may want to consider a lunchbox locker, it replaces them and the side gears. This is a 44 from a wagoneer broken down, you can see there's not much to it.

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/196532_1949001368159_4482708_n.jpg

this might be a good time to lock it, this is a Spartan locker in parts, it replaces the gears with locker stuff. I think the powertrax noslip has an application for the 44a, but I'm not sure.
http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/196475_1949001008150_526294_n.jpg

before
http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/198913_1949000808145_524830_n.jpg

after
http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/188943_1949001168154_2204669_n.jpg


just a suggestion. if you're not replacing the gears, swapping a differential is no big deal, just make sure you put the shims back exactly as they came off. it's not a bad idea to check backlash before and after (easy, I have a gauge and magnet you can use) and use gear marking compound before and after to check that it's OK. if I can help I will, but there are way better mechanics than me on this forum!!!

[Shane]

I am not sure how to set the pinion preload or backlash is my biggest problem, I am thinking about replacing all bearings and seals and throwing in an aussie locker for the rear the teeth on the ring gear seem to be in pretty good shape. May consider upgrading axle shafts also. Just have to figure out cost. Thanks for the input

[Java]

if you're not changing R&P gears you don't have to do anything with the pinion bearings at all, you shouldn't have to set preload. checking backlash is easy- there is a gauge that looks like a tire pressure gauge with a small needle / nub coming out the end that slides in and out, moving the gauge as it does. That goes on a multi-positionable magnetic mount that you stick somewhere on your axle housing and position the mount / gauge until the stick is touching the ring gear. then you move the gear and it moves the stick, you see how far. that # is your backlash, when you put it back together it should measure the same. I don't see anyreason yours would change with what you have in mind, I think you'll be surprised at how quickly it goes when you get into it- but I'm just a guy with tools, you might want to double check me with Frank or Brad or one of the other real mechanics first!!

[Shane]

The sad part is I can rebuild motors but never done a trans, t-case or diffs. All of those years wrenchin with Meineke, u-haul and Grand Pontiac is was cheaper to sub it out than for the shop to rebuild it so I never had the chance to do them.