The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Dif change to 3.55 ?

I'm planning to do this pretty soon and after a lot of poor quality failed parts on other projects lately I'm a bit nervous about parts quality. Just wondering if there have been problems with any of the parts need for this dif change over. It seems that Patricks is the company having the install kit made so they are the main/only source. Of course parts are guaranteed but labor to change out would be expensive.

Thanks

I did the change with Patrick's parts. Don't worry about quality, it is top notch. I replace all bearings when I did the change except the axle and carrier bearings. Both of those bearings are relatively easy to change at a later date if need be. But, the pinion bearings are a bear (to do later), so I went with new.

Cool...thanks David

I do not know what brand front pinion bearing Patrick is selling these days but he use to sell a bearing made in Romania. I just replace one of these bearings that did not have very many miles on it.

Thanks Dave,
That's not good news. I'm sure you did the work yourself but I cannot and at $90/hr...yikes...

I asked them where their parts are made and it seems all over the place...S. America, Europe, etc. so I imagine it's all still the same. I think they are the only game in town though for these

I do not buy Patrick's bearing kits anymore. The bearings can be bought a most bearing shop, or if your patient you can get them on eBay for next to nothing.

Patrick is not "the only game in town". Mothertrucker has them for less.

So, pardon my 'newbie-ess' but I'm thinking/wondering. Are the new bearings and parts, etc. the same specs as the OEM ones ? If so they should be easy enough to find as Dave suggests.

The problem with bearings and for that matter all parts. You never know where they are made. All the manufactures will sub out the work. You may think your getting a good ole US part and it will just be packaged in a package made in US, and that can be from a brand name manufacture. Yeah they will warrant the part but guess who eats the other problems it may cause when it fails, including the labor for replacement.

That's exactly my point... OK, so they replace a $3 part but there's $BIG in labor...which, of course, is why I started this thread..

Let's make a parts kit (please add, delete, correct - I'll edit the list in this post as necessary):

Most of the items below are listed on Patrick's website (link is given in Dogface's post).

3.55:1 Ring & Pinion Set:
1. Ring Gear
2. Pinion Gear
Mothertrucker seems to have best price for the set and he provides instructions - email address?
Patrick's provides instructions and sells installation/parts kits.


1940-1950 parts kit or 1951-1954 parts kit
(1951-54) Rear End Gear Installation Kit
Product : 93-512B Price : $399.95 Classic Parts of America
(1941-50) Rear End Gear Installation Kit
Product : 93-512A Price : $399.95 Classic Parts of America

The parts below are for a 1953 3100

3. FRONT PINION BEARING & REAR PINION BEARING
NATIONAL Part # HM88510
Taper Bearing Cup; Outer Diameter=2.875", Length=0.9063", Radius=0.125"
GMC H033; Rear Outer
GMC H035; Rear Outer
$7.39 (Rockauto.com)
NATIONAL Part # HM88547
Taper Bearing Cone; Bore=1.3125", Length=1.0938", Radius=0.031"
GMC H033; Rear Outer
GMC H035; Rear Outer
$23.79 (Rockauto.com)

NATIONAL Part # HM89410
Taper Bearing Cup; Outer Diameter=3", Length=0.9063", Radius=0.125"
One of our most popular parts
GMC H033; Rear Inner
GMC H035; Rear Inner
$7.90 (Rockauto.com)
NATIONAL Part # HM89449 Taper Bearing Cone; Bore=1.4375", Length=1.125", Radius=0.14"
GMC H033; Rear Inner
GMC H035; Rear Inner
$15.80 (Rockauto.com)


4. CARRIER BEARINGS:
NATIONAL Part # KD11786Y
Taper Bearing Set; Cone Bore=2.265", Cone Length=0.864", Cone Radius=0.14", Cup Outer Diam=3.875, Cup Length=0.7018", Cup Radius=0.031"
GMC H072; Rear
$33.79 (Rockauto.com)

NATIONAL Part # KC11445Y
Taper Bearing Set; Cone Bore=1.6626", Cone Length=0.8125", Cone Radius=0.0787", Cup Outer Diam=3.149, Cup Length=0.5937", Cup Radius=0.0315"
GMC H035; Rear
GMC H033; Rear
$42.79 (Rockauto.com)


5. PINION SHIMS: pinion shims

6. pinion set-pin? - provided by Patrick's


7. 1 PC. TORQUE BUSHING WITH SEAL: Okie bushing - drive-shaft bearing and seal
(1940-50) Drive Shaft Bushing & Seal
Product : 92-011 Price : $84.95 Classic Parts of America
(1951-54) Drive Shaft Bushing & Seal
Product : 92-012 Price : $89.95 Classic Parts of America


8. AXLE BEARINGS: axle bearings
9. AXLE SEALS: axle bearing seals
Rear Axle Bearing & Seal Item #111121B 37-54
$104.25 Does 1 side


10.FRONT GASKET: rear housing to torque-tube gasket
FEL-PRO Part # RDS4305 Rear Axle Gasket
Rear Axle; 10-bolt holes; GMC H033
Rear Axle; 10-bolt holes; GMC H035
$2.60 (Rockauto.com)

11.REAR GASKET: rear cover gasket
FEL-PRO Part # RDS4304
Rear Axle; 10-bolt holes; GMC H033
Rear Axle; 10-bolt holes; GMC H035
$4.84 (Rockauto.com)


12. BALL SEAL KIT: u-joint housing seals
Does anyone have a Best Gasket or Fel-Pro part number?
(1935-54) U-Joint Ball Gasket & Seals
Product : 92-111 Price : $12.95 Classic Parts of America


13. lock clips for u-joint bolts - provided by Patrick's
(1940-54) U-Joint Bolt Lock Clips
Product : 92-222 Price : $3.25 Classic Parts of America
(1940-54) U-Joint Bolt
Product : 92-221 Price : $0.75 Classic Parts of America


14. pinion bearing spacer-tool - provided by Patrick's
15. pinion set-pin(s) (rivets?) - provided by Patrick's

As of about 4 years ago: Patrick's also provided an instruction set (almost readable, with unclear illustrations). This was pretty much understandable and complete.

This might be of interest: (1941-54) Rear Axle Overhaul Manual
Product : 05-711 Price : $6.99 Classic Parts of America


Sorry if any part-names above are incorrect. I'll edit the above when people post correction, deletions, additions.

If anyone wants to add part numbers for any of the parts, that would be useful for someone who wants to buy the parts on their own? I bought the installation kits from Patrick's.

This is the list from Patrick's page:

http://s1276.photobucket.com/user/Dusty411/media/RPkit_zps2d262536.jpg.html

I've watched but I've never seen anyone on here mention Yukon.

http://yukongear.com/RingPinions.aspx

A shop I know of in Greeville, S.C. will use nothing but these folks. The Ring gears are made overseas but "Buddy" swears by these being better quality and quieter gears. He runs a shop that specializes in this type work. Cuts them down (narrow's them), shortens and builds housing's and differential's for everything from Rock Crawlers to Daily Drivers.

Have any of you experience with them? They have many distributors scattered over the USA and probably one near you.

I got the ring gear, a 3.08, the complete bearing's/race's kit for pinion and differential, including labor, less than $500. ("Buddy" may have cut me a little slack as I go there regular and he and Carolina Driveline, who I work part time for, are best of friends.

However, this is my story.

Wow....I'm looking into this !

Before buying the bearings from Patrick's, I searched in Austin for replacement bearings. A large bearing shop in Austin did not have the double row bearing and wanted large dollars to special order one. I went with Patrick's. the bearing I received seemed to be of good quality. Time will tell.

I suppose if someone had a bad experience, it is possible the installation was done incorrectly or the bearing was not pre-lubricated prior to installation. Or, the installer pounded on the outer race during installation.

Hey Alvin,

I just wrote to those guys ...Yukon. I'll let you know what they say.

Dogface,

Are you looking for a Ring & Pinion conversion gear-set for use in a 1/2 ton torque-tube rear end?

Yes, that's what I wanna do... Is that a bad idea ?

Been reading this interesting thread. I've wanted to change out the rear gears, etc. in my '50 half ton & have doubts about my ability. I'm a weekend mechanic with no formal training or experience. I'm wondering if the job is over my head??
I'm willing to give it a try though. I read where DavidF has done it & have PM'd
him to ask questions since we live 60 miles apart. Any advice?

Thanks!

Interesting that you want to do this yourself. I have NO mech experience so I pay big $ to have it done. I was just searching to get info on converting to open drive line but have not read much yet. A fellow I know has a tranny with OD which might fit if I did the conversion. THAT would be nice. He only wants $75 but unknown condition...

A hydraulic press is a must if you do it yourself.

Cletis, I have access to one. A fellow Inliners International member has one in his large shop.

Dogface,

No, that is a not a bad idea (a 3.55 torque-tube conversion). The reason I was asking is that Yukon Gear & Axle does not list them. Still, give them a call.

I have done two 3.55 torque-tube rear end conversions, with a friend who s a mechanic. Both went very well.

Chris SWEET has done at least three on his truck and with other people.

In my opinion, if a 3.55 rear is a low enough ratio for you (it is for me at 60-65 mph), the 3.55 conversion is the lowest cost conversion.

Overdrive transmissions are great, but you will need a transmission that is in good condition, a rear end with the right gears (different rear brakes/lines) that are all in good condition, a drive shaft and u-joints, new bearing/seals, and new rear springs/perches/bushings. If I am wrong about these "needs", someone will correct this.

Dogface, hope I did not lead you astray. I was under the impression you were already with, or would have, and open driveline. Not sure Yukon can help there but I know they can on other stuff.

(I have went V8 and open driveline. Took out the torque tube and put in a pumpkin from a 59 into my original housing... and ordered a 3.08 from Yukon) Sorry if I caused anyone confusion.

Not a problem Alvin...

Tim is right, if your are looking to get a stock 1/2 ton up to speed, the gear swap is your cheapest option. I have not purchased a kit in a while but you can do the whole swap under $1000.

I have started a technical article on this swap. I had an almost step by step photo album on Webshots, but honestly, work keeps getting in the way to finish it.

If you get the set, I'd be happy to help where I can. Heck if you live close by, we can get together and knock it out!!

How far from Va are you?

Sweet,
What a nice offer Just so happens, though, that it would be a long trip for me from Calif. I know, that's not in my profile and I should change that.. I'm gonna get that gear change done, but it's now just a matter of finding quality parts. Patricks has been the most advertised source but their parts, good or not, are made all over the place which concerns me and other guys. I dunno if I can find US made parts but will try. I did order the R&P from the Filling Station but they are not in stock until late June. I "assume" that the install parts, seals, bearings, etc. are just a replacement of what's there now but not really sure about that. If so, I should be able to put together the 'kit' piece by piece. I've never been a mechanic (Veterinarian) so all this is really foreign to me.

Thanks for that really nice offer. !!

Dogface,

Did you check with Mothertrucker? He might still have them in stock and his price is good. This might be his email address: [email protected]

Check to see what he provides. I think it will be just the R&P gears (which seems to be all that you are looking for).

If you find/buy the other installation parts/tools, please post vendor and price. Thanks.

Tim

I thought he had a web site...or used to but could not find it. I think he moved from Tucson to Phoenix. I found him on HAMB also but never a contact info...thanks for that ...will do.

I see that Jim Carter also sells the kit and individual parts but likely gets them from Patricks. I have not contacted them yet.

He is in Tucson and that e-mail address is correct. He does not have or maintain a website that I know of.

Just ordered the R&P from Mother Trucker. $325 with free shipping Jeeze...I hope they're not made of plastic ...

Let everyone know how this works out.

He says he has them "stacked to the ceiling" http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/1271/img0981ln.jpg

Does make one wonder...but I guess he has a good rep.

Dumb question! Can you change to the 3.55 dif and still keep the 3 sp tranny. I see a 4sp tranny kit in Patricks ad also. What is that 4sp for and does anyone know how it works

thrs50, the trans has nothing to do with the rear gears, use any one you want - the 4 speed offered is a newer Saginaw version that gives better low gear ratios than the stock 4 speed, no help with highway speeds, still a 1:1 high gear

Bill

red58 thanks for the response. Thinking about changing to the 3.55 myself. Just trying to get as much info on the subject as possible. Does anybody know if mothertrucker is putting together an installation kit to go with his gear set

I didn't ask him that, just know he does not stock them now. I would love to find a bearing kit that is American made but even if you source them piece by piece you still dunno where they were made.

I know from another hobby that steel from some other countries is soft and poor quality.

Just received my $325.00 3.55:1 R&P from Mothertrucker, fast shipping and everything appears to be excellent quality. (not realy sure how to tell other than parts are clean, undamaged, and seem to mesh together just holding them??)

I also got an instruction manual which is several photo copied pages, but seems thorough.

I asked about an installation kit, and he says he does not intend to offer one, but is working on a parts list that uses Napa parts.

Bob.

Bob,
I have not ordered mine yet but will soon. Good to hear your opinion. Once you get the parts list and numbers ? Please let us know.,... Many suppliers use parts kits made all over the world...I'd prefer NAPA parts...but I guess you still dunno where they're made...

Edit: Just sent in my order today...