The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Changing gears in an HO52 rear

I bought an HO52 3rd member over the net that was supposed to have 4.10 gears. When I got it, it turned out to be 4.57. The seller has agreed to send me a set of 4.10 gears. I've never worked on a differential before so my question is how hard is it to change out the gears? Does it require any special tools? Is it covered in the '57 shop manual? I think I know where I can get a manual. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Jeff

Hy jfnar, you will need a dial indicator capable of measuring the backlash, it is the type that can be bolted/clamped into position on the differentials flange. The procedure is covered in the manual, you will also need a torque wrench to torque the crown gear to the carrier, good luck.

They had better be brand new gears, or at least a tooth contact pattern would need to be run before the 4.10's are removed from whatever they're in now. Getting a used set of gears back in exactly the same running relationship in the original housing is difficult- - - -if you're putting them in a different housing it's dang near impossible to do without inducing a permanent gear howl. I've got a set of Dana type 60 3.78 gears I swapped from a Ford 3/4 ton housing into a GMC rear axle in my 59 Burb. I set it up as close to right as possible, and I still look over my shoulder for that fire truck siren that's following me around at times!
Jerry

Where do you buy the dial indicator to measure the backlash?

Ebay, Harbor Freight Tools, Northern Tool & Supply, Snap-On, Enco Tools, Goodson, and K-Line are all good places to shop for a dial indicator. A good one with the adapters you'll need to set up a rear axle will cost about $100.00.
Jerry

Thanks for the info. I hadn't thought about having a major noise problem with this. Considering I bought this 3rd member over the net I figured I was lucky that the guy was willing to send me the 4.10 gears when he could easily get away with shafting me. I'm out $265 now whether it works or not so I guess I'll just give it a shot and see what happens. Maybe I'll get lucky for a change.
<*)))><

Are you getting a complete third member with the 4.10 gears? If so, you don't need to set anything.

If you've never done it before, I would have a driveline shop set it up for you,
Scott

Truckernix, I bought a 3rd member that was supposed to have 4.10 gears but when it arrived it had 4.57's. The guy is sending me some 4.10 gears to change out.

48bigtrucks, You're right, I think I'll take it to a pro. I don't mind tackling new things but I looked at the manual last night and it doesn't look real simple. Of course, the shop manual was written for people who alredy know what they're doing.

Inland Truck Parts and Service rebuilt my Eaton HO72 for about $250.00. Rearends are not cheap! At least I have peace of mind that it was done right.

Good Luck!
Dan M.