Question: Ring & Pinion Break-in

95yjjeep

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2006
Location
Charlotte
Hey Guys,
I am setting up my ring & pinions in my HP44 and Ford 9". I'm running 4.56 gears with a yukon grizzly in the rear and a Auburn Pro LSD up front. Just wondering how long you guys break in your gears, bearings and new lockers before you take them on the trail? Also, how do you break in your front gear? Just lock the hubs and drive around for several hundred miles?! I just think they drive like crap if the front hubs are locked with a locker up front. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
Hey NCtom, It says that but do you follow that to a tee?
 
Most all gear brands recommend city type (stop and go, not prolonged set highway speeds) driving for 500 miles then change the gear oil. Typically it is recommended to drive 20-30 miles, stop and let them cool, drive 20-30 miles, stop, etc. for the first 4 or so heat cycles and then you can go longer till you get to the 500ish miles.

I would make sure you get at least 300 or so good break in miles and change the gear oil prior to your trip. More if you can make the time.
 
Is this a DD or trail only rig? DD I would go with what the gear manufacturer recommends, usually a few short trips allowing the gears to heat then cool completely, then easy driving for the duration of the break in period. For a trial rig I would run them up to temp and cool them down a time or two then beat them like they owed me money.

Duane
 
Gear manufacturer recommendations are best, of course. This is the best way to insure a properly installed gear will go the hundreds of thousands of miles it should. This being said, how many of you ever "broke-in" the gears in your new car or truck?

Most important...IMO...don't do sustained highway speeds for the first 500 miles. Best not to tow during this period. However I have had to build many gears that went directly into heavy towing service due to the vehicles purpose. But even then, I stress no sustained speeds.

If it is Off Road only. Just start using it. Don't sweat the break-in. You're going to subject that R&P to things that no hypoid gear was really ever designed to withstand! Break-in isn't going to help with that! I don't know of anyone who has "broken in" a trail only gear! That gear will generally out-last your rig if it's properly installed. And the axle is large enuff for what you are subjecting it to!

(unless you have a Dana 30 on 38" tires with a doubler! ;) )
 
Being in the transmission and rear end business... I get lied to more than a whore! NAH MAN I BROKE IT IN JUST LIKE YOU SAID!
 
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