Question about possibly needing a axle rebuild

[Matt14]

So on my front Dana 44 axle, I have noticed that the pinion can be pulled out very slightly. I've been told I may need an axle rebuild but was not told what part of the axle. I did a little research on crush sleeves and thought maybe the previous owner may have overtightened the pinion nut but that is my only idea. Also how big of a deal is that? I need to reseal the axle soon so I will have it taken apart is there anything I should look for or inspect. Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[Alex01]

The dana 44 doesn't use a crush sleeve.

@Rob5589 may be able to help answer your question.

 

[Rob5589]

The pinion should have no movement forward and back. If you do either the pinion nut has come loose and or the pinion bearings are toast.

 

[Matt14]

The pinion should have no movement forward and back. If you do either the pinion nut has come loose and or the pinion bearings are toast.

is there a way to check the bearings vs the pinion nut being loose?

 

[BuildBreakRepeat]

Throw a wrench on it and torque to spec - if there is still stop your bearing is a goner.

 

[Rob5589]

is there a way to check the bearings vs the pinion nut being loose?

You could try to tighten the nut. But really, if it has been run loose there is a high probability the bearings are toast; maybe the pinion has contacted the carrier and possibly chipped the pinion gear in the process.

 

[Matt14]

Anyone have any advice on next steps I have a feeling this would be out of my level of mechanical ability. Is this a trip to my normal mechanic or should I take this to some sort of specialist for gears (if this is a thing)? I live in buford GA if anyone has any recommendations for around here.

 

[Alex01]

Anyone have any advice on next steps I have a feeling this would be out of my level of mechanical ability. Is this a trip to my normal mechanic or should I take this to some sort of specialist for gears (if this is a thing)? I live in buford GA if anyone has any recommendations for around here.

Doing the test Rob described could easily be done at your house. You'll just remove the 4 small bolts that hold the driveshaft to the yoke then put a torque wrench on the big nut that holds the pinion on. Now if you find it is to spec and there is still slop I would definitely find a gear specialist in your area.

I typed regear and Buford, Ga into google and it seems the JK crowd like AllSouth Autosports in Buford.

 

[Matt14]

Doing the test Rob described could easily be done at your house. You'll just remove the 4 small bolts that hold the driveshaft to the yoke then put a torque wrench on the big nut that holds the pinion on. Now if you find it is to spec and there is still slop I would definitely find a gear specialist in your area.

I typed regear and Buford, Ga into google and it seems the JK crowd like AllSouth Autosports in Buford.

Thank you I plan on doing the torque wrench test tomorrow after work and if that doesn’t work I will be looking for a place like that. I have worked with Allsouth before thanks.

 

[Alex01]

Thank you I plan on doing the torque wrench test tomorrow after work and if that doesn’t work I will be looking for a place like that. I have worked with Allsouth before thanks.

Let us know what you discover.

 

[Matt14]

quick update so after pricing out getting the issue fixed. It was going to cost about $600+ to fix just the issue because I would have been essentially regearing just the front. After calling around Jasper Jeep hut priced me 1400 to regear and reseal both axles. I had the rubicon 4.10s and since I am running 35s decided to go with 4.56 So I decided to go ahead and do that.

 

[Alex01]

quick update so after pricing out getting the issue fixed. It was going to cost about $600+ to fix just the issue because I would have been essentially regearing just the front. After calling around Jasper Jeep hut priced me 1400 to regear and reseal both axles. I had the rubicon 4.10s and since I am running 35s decided to go with 4.56 So I decided to go ahead and do that.

Have you already had the gears replaced? Most would go with 5.36 with a 42lre and 35's

 

[Rob5589]

quick update so after pricing out getting the issue fixed. It was going to cost about $600+ to fix just the issue because I would have been essentially regearing just the front. After calling around Jasper Jeep hut priced me 1400 to regear and reseal both axles. I had the rubicon 4.10s and since I am running 35s decided to go with 4.56 So I decided to go ahead and do that.

4.56 will be a huge mistake, unless you plan to drop back to the stock tire size. 5.38's all the way, or not at all.