D44 R&P Swap
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
D44 R&P Swap
A recent thread has me thinking about doing a 4.11 swap on mine. Does anyone know of a step by step on this. What special tools are needed besides dial indicators for measuring backlash?
I am having a tough time finding someone local to do it who doesn't want an arm and a leg. Shipping the pumpkin is a big hassle.
I am having a tough time finding someone local to do it who doesn't want an arm and a leg. Shipping the pumpkin is a big hassle.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
To really do it right, you need:
Case spreader
Dial indicator and stand
Hydraulic press
Bearing seperator
Bushing /Bearing drivers
Pinion Depth Checker
Dial torque wrench
Hand tools
There are 3 basic process to setting up rear gears.
Proper pinion Depth
Proper Backlash
Correct preload on pinion and carrier bearings.
If the above is right, it will live.
Case spreader
Dial indicator and stand
Hydraulic press
Bearing seperator
Bushing /Bearing drivers
Pinion Depth Checker
Dial torque wrench
Hand tools
There are 3 basic process to setting up rear gears.
Proper pinion Depth
Proper Backlash
Correct preload on pinion and carrier bearings.
If the above is right, it will live.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,629
Likes: 28
From: FL
Someone posted these plans for a spreader you can make yourself. Sorry I don't recall who did the work.
I have a dial indicator and hydraulic press you are welcome to use if you can come up with the pinion depth gauge, good luck with the project.
I have a dial indicator and hydraulic press you are welcome to use if you can come up with the pinion depth gauge, good luck with the project.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
I assume the case spreader is to get the carrier in and out?
If you save the pinion shims from the old pinion, do you really need the depth checker. With the dana 44, you also need a set of test bearings that have been reamed out a few thousands so you don't have to press them on and off while changing shims.
Thanks for the offer, Jim. Have you done one? I may give it a shot. I have Paul Zank's DVD. He addresses the D44 but not the Corvette one.
What gear set should I buy?
If you save the pinion shims from the old pinion, do you really need the depth checker. With the dana 44, you also need a set of test bearings that have been reamed out a few thousands so you don't have to press them on and off while changing shims.
Thanks for the offer, Jim. Have you done one? I may give it a shot. I have Paul Zank's DVD. He addresses the D44 but not the Corvette one.
What gear set should I buy?
Last edited by MK 82; Dec 28, 2009 at 06:29 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,629
Likes: 28
From: FL
Yes the spreader is for removing the carrier from the case, also helps to have the correct bearing pulling tools, and having a trial bearing set is a good idea, even with the correct tools the bearings can be damaged during removal which is often necessary during adjustment.
I have done many rear ends, but not a Vette or Viper. I have seen techs reuse the original pinion depth shims adjusted for the + or - markings on the replacement gear set but I would not rely on it.
Even when using the pinion depth gauge, reading the pattern is considered the best indicator of correct set up.
The genuine Dana gear set seems to get the best reviews from what I understand, the 4.10 ratio may be available from a Mopar dealer. If you have trouble locating them, let me know and I will make some calls.
I have done many rear ends, but not a Vette or Viper. I have seen techs reuse the original pinion depth shims adjusted for the + or - markings on the replacement gear set but I would not rely on it.
Even when using the pinion depth gauge, reading the pattern is considered the best indicator of correct set up.
The genuine Dana gear set seems to get the best reviews from what I understand, the 4.10 ratio may be available from a Mopar dealer. If you have trouble locating them, let me know and I will make some calls.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
I would start out with the same thickness pinion shim and adjust to get the best pattern.
Mine is a three series carrier so I guess I will need the "thick" gears. Does Dana make those?
Mine is a three series carrier so I guess I will need the "thick" gears. Does Dana make those?
Last edited by MK 82; Dec 28, 2009 at 07:42 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,263
Likes: 86
From: O'Fallon Missouri
I would definately go with the Dana/Viper 4.10's. Mine are quieter than the stock 3.45's.
Most aftermarket gearsets come with a crush sleeve, not shims.
IMHO C4 gear changes should be left to professionals, not most of us part-time wrenchers. But, if you decide to do it yourself, good luck and don't forget the pics.
Most aftermarket gearsets come with a crush sleeve, not shims.
IMHO C4 gear changes should be left to professionals, not most of us part-time wrenchers. But, if you decide to do it yourself, good luck and don't forget the pics.
Last edited by STL94LT1; Dec 28, 2009 at 07:45 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 80
From: Hawaii
The part number for the Dana 410 is P5007043.
If you decide to change the clutch pack the Spicer p/n is 707018X.
For the rebuild kit, stay away from Motive. They had the wrong shims in the kit, they had the shims for the jeep Dana 44, yet box was marked for a Corvette IRS Dana 44.
If you decide to change the clutch pack the Spicer p/n is 707018X.
For the rebuild kit, stay away from Motive. They had the wrong shims in the kit, they had the shims for the jeep Dana 44, yet box was marked for a Corvette IRS Dana 44.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,286
Likes: 6
From: Palm Beach
The professional thing took longer than I expected. It's not rocket science. A man has to know his limitations.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 80
From: Hawaii
This site helped out a bunch when I did mine
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/
Having the proper tools makes all the difference in setting gears.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/
Having the proper tools makes all the difference in setting gears.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,720
Likes: 557
From: Seattle Washington
The part number for the Dana 410 is P5007043.
If you decide to change the clutch pack the Spicer p/n is 707018X.
For the rebuild kit, stay away from Motive. They had the wrong shims in the kit, they had the shims for the jeep Dana 44, yet box was marked for a Corvette IRS Dana 44.
If you decide to change the clutch pack the Spicer p/n is 707018X.
For the rebuild kit, stay away from Motive. They had the wrong shims in the kit, they had the shims for the jeep Dana 44, yet box was marked for a Corvette IRS Dana 44.
