I have an '87 Sammi w/ a noisy differential gearset.

I obtained a used front axle. The axles have 22 splines.

I understand the rear axles have 26 splines.

How big a hassle is it to swap the rear side-gears into my front 3rd member so I can use the front gearset?

Any adjustments necessary or since I am using the entire 3rd member do the gears stay properly adjusted?

Bob

The side gear swap is easy, just set the backlash when you are
done with the swap with a dial indicator to about .008 and you
are done.

There could be some shims under the side gears, I think I would
keep those with the carrier and swap the gear only, I swapped
26s into the front of a Sidekick (same as both ends of a Sammy)
and just put them in, no changes

Wild

or a good time to add a traction aid with 26's

If you mark the side adjusters (the things with all the holes in them at the side of the carrier), and count the number of turns it takes to remove them, then you can set the backlash back exactly to where it was before, without having to use any "special" tools.  Other than that, it is just a matter of disassembling everything, swapping sidegears and reassembling everything (being sure to properly torque and locktight the bolts).  Do not mix up the side adjusters or the bearing races.....put the same one back from where it originally came from.

If you mark the side adjusters (the things with all the holes in them at the side of the carrier), and count the number of turns it takes to remove them, then you can set the backlash back exactly to where it was before, without having to use any "special" tools.  Other than that, it is just a matter of disassembling everything, swapping sidegears and reassembling everything (being sure to properly torque and locktight the bolts).  Do not mix up the side adjusters or the bearing races.....put the same one back from where it originally came from.

Sounds like a winner. It would get me into the close-ballpark really quickly.

Thanks, all for the great answers.

I have the axles out of the donor front axle assembly (Anyone need parts?) but haven't pulled the 3rd member yet, but
I have the picture in my mind much better now.

Bob

Quote from: Skyhiranger on February 21, 2011, 07:00:38 AM

If you mark the side adjusters (the things with all the holes in them at the side of the carrier), and count the number of turns it takes to remove them, then you can set the backlash back exactly to where it was before, without having to use any "special" tools.  Other than that, it is just a matter of disassembling everything, swapping sidegears and reassembling everything (being sure to properly torque and locktight the bolts).  Do not mix up the side adjusters or the bearing races.....put the same one back from where it originally came from.

Sounds like a winner. It would get me into the close-ballpark really quickly.

Thanks, all for the great answers.

I have the axles out of the donor front axle assembly (Anyone need parts?) but haven't pulled the 3rd member yet, but
I have the picture in my mind much better now.

Bob

It won't get you in the ballpark, it will set the backlash back to exactly where it was before.  No need to reset/check anything....but you can, for peace of mind....if you choose to.  Personally, I always check it, just because I have to tools to do so (dial indicator and magnetic base).

Quote from: bobinyelm on February 21, 2011, 08:00:06 AM

Quote from: Skyhiranger on February 21, 2011, 07:00:38 AM

If you mark the side adjusters (the things with all the holes in them at the side of the carrier), and count the number of turns it takes to remove them, then you can set the backlash back exactly to where it was before, without having to use any "special" tools.  Other than that, it is just a matter of disassembling everything, swapping sidegears and reassembling everything (being sure to properly torque and locktight the bolts).  Do not mix up the side adjusters or the bearing races.....put the same one back from where it originally came from.

Sounds like a winner. It would get me into the close-ballpark really quickly.

Thanks, all for the great answers.

I have the axles out of the donor front axle assembly (Anyone need parts?) but haven't pulled the 3rd member yet, but
I have the picture in my mind much better now.

Bob

It won't get you in the ballpark, it will set the backlash back to exactly where it was before.  No need to reset/check anything....but you can, for peace of mind....if you choose to.  Personally, I always check it, just because I have to tools to do so (dial indicator and magnetic base).

That's what I meant. I have a dial indicator and magnetic base, and I don't get to use it too often, so this is a great excuse!
It will re-check my counting of holes, and the intuitive "feel" of the gear backlash.
Thanks again-
Bob