Diff Carrier Bearing Replacement

[svosam]

Looks like I am going to have to open up the rear end again this weekend to replace carrier bearings. It looks like a pretty straight forward job.

Should I be able to get the bearings off and back on without a press?

I figure that worst case scenario, I can use a 2/3 jaw puller to get the bearings off. Can they be tapped back on with a hammer and drift (old bearing)? ...or is a press needed to get everything back together?

I know there's probably a shade-tree trick or two out there!!!

Thanks a bunch,
Sam

[SVOeric]

I'd say a press, and a bearing seperator.

[DRAGPAK]

Cut the old ones off with a dremel tool but u have too press the new ones on .Plus mark the shims left and right.

[Pat_in_L.A.]

Take a close look at the side gears and spider gears while you have it apart.

[NavySVO]

Just get a Torsen T2, bolt up your ring gear and press new bearings onto it. No spider gears to worry about and none of that stinky friction modifier stuff.

For the price of that thing you can almost get a whole new rearend....

[Raven855]

I picked up a T2R on ebay for an 8.8 a while ago. Very, very cheap. It was for a 28 spline also. It will be going into the car soon......Waiting on some other parts right now.

[mokancraig]

I hate to say it the two 8.8s I've done I cut the bearings off the carrier and used a large socket and hammer to install the new ones...

[NavySVO]

and used a large socket and hammer to install the new ones...

Recommendation to anyone using this method;
use a socket, piping, etc that is the same size as the inner race of the bearing so you do not place the stress on the outer race and rotating medium (roller or ball bearings) thus damaging the bearing.

[hotrodfeguy]

I have used a brass drift on my old 83 TC.