Dana 36 remove and replace procedure

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Jun 24, 2019 | 03:56 PM

garyc4

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Dana 36 remove and replace procedure

Hello, planning to R&R my Dana 36 with a higher ratio. Looking for opinion/experience with how best to do that. Specifically, should I plan on differential and batwing removal, and then swap out differentials on the bench, or can I remove just the differential unit on the car without removal of other major components (except the driveshaft of course).

Now, I know and understand all the 36 vs 44 discussion out there, and I’m considering my options, but if you can provide any helpful info on my question it would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Jun 24, 2019 | 05:10 PM

vette196

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From: Park Ridge New Jersey

I don't think you'll need to remove the batwing.

Jun 25, 2019 | 09:23 AM

fredk

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From: Muskoka Ontario

I would pay a shop to change gears. Lot's involved for a home mechanic.

Jun 25, 2019 | 09:54 AM

ghoastrider1

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From: indy indiana

might cost a bit for tools to do it right at home. I have a rscer friend that builds rearend pumpkins and wants 100 bucks to swap out gears on mine. A price I will gladly pay. Best of luck.

Jun 25, 2019 | 11:01 AM

drcook

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My son was charged almost $400 to swap gears and get them setup correctly due to the time it took to shim them in to the correct contact pattern. By the time you buy the gears, buy new seals (and probably bearings) and pay someone to put them in, you will have most of the cost of a Dana 44 swap covered.

Jun 25, 2019 | 12:02 PM

vette196

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From: Park Ridge New Jersey

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghoastrider1

might cost a bit for tools to do it right at home. I have a rscer friend that builds rearend pumpkins and wants 100 bucks to swap out gears on mine. A price I will gladly pay. Best of luck.

can he do mine?

Jun 25, 2019 | 01:59 PM

Randy M

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From: Stoughton Wisconsin

I personally found it easiest to remove the carrier and differential as an assembly and then swap the differential. It is only a couple of bolts at that point as you have removed everything else in the way already. All the gasket cleaning and remounting of the differential is a lot easier on a bench in my opinion.

Last edited by Randy M; Jun 25, 2019 at 02:00 PM.