Can I rebuild my 8 3/4" myself?

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MrJLR

Built, not bought
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It howls like a bad dog!

is this extremely difficult or can it be done at home?
Do I need special tools?

What I need:
new gears - 3:55 sure grip
Axle bearings
Axles with the 4.25" BC

Quotes I'm getting are $2100 - $2400 !!!!! Yikes!
 
You want 4" or 4.5" bolt circle unless you have some odd wheels.

You can get a complete pumpkin ready to go from Dr Diff and axles are $300ish. No way should it be $2100+ unless someone else is installing it.
 
Is that with dropping the car at a shop and them putting in everything themselves?

Have the rear end dropout rebuilt, then you assemble and put together the rest. But doing the numbers it really adds up.

Put the axles in (w/new bearing installed) yourself. http://www.doctordiff.com/axle-package-stock-length-mopar-5x4-1-2-bolt-pattern.html

And put the dropout center section your self with new axle seals. http://www.doctordiff.com/housing-gasketseal-kit.html

You'll need 10 x 2 1/2 large bolt pattern: backing plates, drums, brake shoes, brake cylinders, brake hardware kit: http://www.doctordiff.com/mopar-10-x-2-1-2-drum-brake-assembly.html Or you can get all that stuff at rockauto or local parts store. Might be cheaper with shipping.

Then take the center section to a rebuilder. Have you tried Sutton Engineering?
 
You want 4" or 4.5" bolt circle unless you have some odd wheels.

You can get a complete pumpkin ready to go from Dr Diff and axles are $300ish. No way should it be $2100+ unless someone else is installing it.

I thought so too. But I looked at Dr Diff and it was dropout $1375, Axles $295, Brakes $300, gaskets $25. Pretty close to $2100.
 
I thought so too. But I looked at Dr Diff and it was dropout $1375, Axles $295, Brakes $300, gaskets $25. Pretty close to $2100.

First....opps - yes 4.5" BC......


Second.....wow - those prices are high!
 
Well.....I just called and talked to Dr.Diff.....
EVERYTHING I need......including axles, brakes, and third member - $2,020 + shipping.


Sound fair?
 
Well.....I just called and talked to Dr.Diff.....
EVERYTHING I need......including axles, brakes, and third member - $2,020 + shipping.


Sound fair?

Is that with a complete new dropout center section here?: http://www.doctordiff.com/8-3-4-489-case-third-member.html

I'd at least get a quote for rebuilding your center section with 3.55 gears and suregrip locally. Have you called Sutton Engineering at 817 E Lambert Rd, La Habra, CA 90631
(562) 266-0044 ? He's not too far from you.

Another option would be for Sutton Eng to redrill your existing axles and drums for 4.5" pattern for under $200. I did this 22 years ago and it was like $90.

Bummer is you can get a Dana rear without brakes for $2150. And you could sell you existing rear for $500-$600.
 
It howls like a bad dog!

is this extremely difficult or can it be done at home?
Do I need special tools?

What I need:
new gears - 3:55 sure grip
Axle bearings
Axles with the 4.25" BC

Quotes I'm getting are $2100 - $2400 !!!!! Yikes!
I'd take some time and search the net, look at how it is done, and what tools you would need, like say a small press. Then sit back with a cup of coffee, play your favorite tune on your guitar and think to yourself.. "Can I do this"?
 
If you are not afraid of learning something new and buying a FEW specialized tools, you can do just as good a job as a professional. If on the other hand you have more money than mechanical expertise, I invite you to drain the bank account a little.
 
Just finished my first one. I rebuilt everything from the BBP conversion kit ( from Dr Diff) to the sure grip itself. All bearings, new Richmond gears, axels. Etc. Everyone on here will very useful and eager to help out . You do need a press, micrometer, trq wrench , inch lb wrench for pinion bearing preload and other than that it's just knowledge and lots of that you can get from everyone here. I actually enjoyed doing mine and will never pay anyone to ever do it again, as a matter of fact after a few more of my own and ill do it for anyone else. It was also handy to build a holder that you can bolt the member in and attach it to a vise to spin it around and work on it..and a wrench to bolt on your pinion yoke to trq the pinion down to spec or crush your sleeve. There are a lot of good videos on you tube that will give you a good base line to start. just take your time , remember that some stuff is L.H thread in there . ( sure grip housing and crown gear) . Do er up. you won't disappoint yourself
 
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