Gear set up. How hard is it?

Archdukeferdinand

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2006
Location
Vilas, NC
So I've never done any gear work in an axle but I'm pretty capable as a mechanic, I know how to use a torque wrench and be patient... How hard is it to set up a corporate 8.25 from a cherokee? Is the hardest part just getting a good mesh with the gears without too much drag or??

I've got a swap coming up here and its time to gear.
 
Well

If you're patient, it really isn't that bad. Once you've done it once, and get it, it's makes perfect sense.

It is totally something worth teaching yourself how to do. The tool investment isn't that bad either.
 
Doing "it" is easy BUT doing "it correctly" is a whole diffrent story
 
The first time is difficult patience is a must and if you screw up its a costly lesson, having all the right tools is certainly a must if you have not done one before. For $200 you can have it done professionally and know that it is right. I have seen many of terribe set-ups come from shops and do it yourselfers, I personally feel that the $200 is money well spent.


If I was going to try one i would pay someone to do the rear and watch and then do the front myself after getting a handle on it. Give us a shout if we can help. I would be more than happy to set up your rear and show you how so you can do your front yourself.
 
The right tools is half the battle, you'll easily spend $400 in getting the tools to do it yourself

Web wheelers will tell you its not that hard, just read about it. It takes a little more than reading about it.
The best way to learn is to have someone show/help you
 
Thanks for the responses guys.

I've been quoted $300 locally so I was more inclined to do it myself. I'd take you up on the offer, cperry but gas to and from durham would cancel out any money I'd save. I'm only doing one axle (swapping axles in front to an already geared one) so I don't know that the tools would be of that much use to me. Thanks again for the offer though.

Anyone near Boone that will set up the R&P in a chrysler 8.25 for a reasonable price, give me a shout. I'll be happy to do all the prep work, I just need an install.
 
It's kinda funny

If you're going to pay a professional, make sure they do in fact know what they're doing. It never ceases to amaze me how incompetent some professionals are. References from the message board are probably your best bet if your going that route.
 
Cperry said:
The first time is difficult patience is a must and if you screw up its a costly lesson, having all the right tools is certainly a must if you have not done one before. For $200 you can have it done professionally and know that it is right. I have seen many of terribe set-ups come from shops and do it yourselfers, I personally feel that the $200 is money well spent.
If I was going to try one i would pay someone to do the rear and watch and then do the front myself after getting a handle on it. Give us a shout if we can help. I would be more than happy to set up your rear and show you how so you can do your front yourself.
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Thanks Chase... you hit the nail right on the head on that one.
 
If I wasn't so backed up on work, I'd hook ya up for $100 out of the vehicle.

I've done hundreds of 8.25's. I invested in the entire Miller Special Tools master pinion depth set some time ago. About $1000 well spent.

Make sure the installer has the tool for the side adjusters. Can't do it without one.
 
Indy Will said:
Is it the same one as the 9.25 adjusters?
If so, I have that too...thought you could get a punch in there though...?...
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No. The 8.25's use adjusters that thread into the housing and the bearing cap also. You need a tool about 3 ft long with a hex on the end that will turn the adjusters.

I made one out of a TJ axle nut, welded to a piece of tube, with a nut welded on the end to fit my torque wrench.
 
WNC Custom Jeeps said:
If I wasn't so backed up on work, I'd hook ya up for $100 out of the vehicle.
I've done hundreds of 8.25's. I invested in the entire Miller Special Tools master pinion depth set some time ago. About $1000 well spent.
Make sure the installer has the tool for the side adjusters. Can't do it without one.
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Highly recommend Jody aka wnccustomjeeps, he is the only one I let set my gears. He knows his stuff inside and out, if we can only get him into a rig again...
 
Cperry said:
I sell the 8.25 9.25 adjusters tool, they are one and the same. as well as many other rear end tools.
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Exactly. The same tool is used on each axle.

Just to clarify, you CAN (but shouldn't) use a punch to set backlash and preload on a 9.25, but an 8.25 has to have the tool CPerry sells or a homemade tool like I use. This is because of how the adjusters are accessible on a 9.25, but are not on an 8.25. You need to use the tool so you can accurately establish the correct side bearing preload with the use of a torque wrench.

Just clarifying for whoever does the install.
 
Here's mine, i made it out a a 604 diff bolt(minivan transmission) it fits the hex shape perfectly

I welded it to a big fender washer to keep from pushing thru and then welded to a cheap 3/8 socket

I use it on my long 36" extension works great

IMGP0363.jpg
 
i need help with a hp dana 30 with 4.10s. i dont know how to set up gears and even with step by step im still a lotta lost. im near Cherry Point Marine Air Station. any one got a suggestion for where to take it or who to talk to?
 
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