here we go, time to dabble in unknown territory for me. So boys, the base to start with is my 82 Merc with 3.08 open diff. 100% stock, and to my knowledge, untouched from factory. if that is the case then i wont have to deal with someone elses handiwork, however it also means i have 175k of wear to deal with. i have wayyyyyy to many variables floating in my head to sort this for a first timer, so ima do my best to lay out what i assume/think is gonna go down and what im prepared to do in the process. i have access to parts and tools and can do work myself. so most of the project will be second hand stuff. theres going to be a few alterations in the mix so please chime in for tips and tricks. so here we go..
1. i plan to keep the axle in the car for the time being. (lack of space at home)
2. this will be a 5 spd car, i know a different driveshaft is needed. will this affect the pinion flange? ive read that it will.
3. assuming the axles are original, if they are scored badly, i will locate replacements but aiming to keep ones i have.
4. i have a used 28 spline trac-loc from ranger/explorer/whatever to go in. purchased on ebay (planning on thorough inspection and new clutches)
5. 3.73 gears are the plan at the moment, still trying to locate. tips on finding good used ones? sharp gears mean they are heavily worn, correct?
6. are all spider gears in trac-locs the same? providing it is a 28 spline unit.
7. axle bearings and seals, no brainer. tips on removal would be helpful though.
8. disc brake swap is very tempting but i dont think im finacially prepared for the little things that add up fast. so for now im gonna put that off the table.
im just trying to plan out an order of operation so to speak. ive searched and found plenty of info in regards to most of my issues independently, but not as a whole and i want to ensure i have the correct info before i disassemble my backup car. im probably over-complicating things but thanks for the help... i know i missed crucial info there somewhere, lol
1. i plan to keep the axle in the car for the time being. (lack of space at home)
2. this will be a 5 spd car, i know a different driveshaft is needed. will this affect the pinion flange? ive read that it will.
3. assuming the axles are original, if they are scored badly, i will locate replacements but aiming to keep ones i have.
4. i have a used 28 spline trac-loc from ranger/explorer/whatever to go in. purchased on ebay (planning on thorough inspection and new clutches)
5. 3.73 gears are the plan at the moment, still trying to locate. tips on finding good used ones? sharp gears mean they are heavily worn, correct?
6. are all spider gears in trac-locs the same? providing it is a 28 spline unit.
7. axle bearings and seals, no brainer. tips on removal would be helpful though.
8. disc brake swap is very tempting but i dont think im finacially prepared for the little things that add up fast. so for now im gonna put that off the table.
im just trying to plan out an order of operation so to speak. ive searched and found plenty of info in regards to most of my issues independently, but not as a whole and i want to ensure i have the correct info before i disassemble my backup car. im probably over-complicating things but thanks for the help... i know i missed crucial info there somewhere, lol
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