How to Install Ring and Pinion and Air Locker, JK Dana 44 Front

Big Tire Garage Differential rebuilding series, Next Generation JK Dana 44 Front Axle
This is a complete how-to install video when installing a Ring and Pinion in the JK Dana 44 axle, I cover tools required and each step in the process to obtain correct specifications for this differential assembly. Information here is specific to the JK Rubicon front axle assembly, while rebuilding using the Dynatrac housing replacement assembly.
NOTE: If you plan to build this same axle you will need to install aftermarket axles that are 30 spline in order to use the Yukon Zip Locker in the Rubicon Housing.
If you want to see the vehicle this axle is going to click the link:
www.amazon.com/v/digitalLUG
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ianfrombigtiregarage
IansBigTireGarage
www.bigtiregarage.com
Tools You Need:
Safety Glasses
heatwavevisual...
Hand Tools
www.tekton.com...
Click Type Torque Wrench
www.tekton.com...
Dial Type Inch Pound Torque Wrench
www.amazon.com...
Hammers
www.tekton.com...
Magnetic Base Dial Indicator
www.amazon.com...
Vernier Caliper
www.amazon.com...
Tools You Want:
Shop Press
www.amazon.com...
Bearing Race Driver
www.randysworl...
Bearing Race Driver
www.randysworl...
Clamshell Bearing Puller
www.randysworl...
Bearing Race Punch
www.randysworl...
Axle Seal Installation Tool
www.randysworl...
Parts:
Reid Racing JK Knuckles
reidracing.biz...
Dynatrac Replacement Housing
www.dynatrac.c...
Yukon Zip Locker
www.randysworl...
Ring and Pinion
www.randysworl...
1350 Yoke
www.randysworl...
Install Kit
www.randysworl...
Solid Spacer Kit
www.randysworl...
RCV axles
www.rcvperform...

[@BigTireGarage]

My plan from now on is to make a step by step video for any axle that I rebuild. This is the first one a JK Dana 44 Front axle assembly. Let me know what axle you guys would like to see one of these videos made for.

[@argrebil]

How different is this compared to a Ford Dana 44? I would imagine that the set up process is very similar.

[@randomnonsense_1]

1985 Dodge Ramcharger. In fact, all kinds of content on a Ramcharger would be greatly appreciated. 😆

[@timwmcdaniel8626]

Big Tire Garage , I’ve got a 2017 Ford Expedition EL 4X4 that I would love to put a locker in the front diff, and maybe replace the factory rear limited slip with a locker also.

[@wvjeepguy8178]

Showing something with a 3rd member would be a big contrast to a Dana axle video. Toyota 8", Ford 9", etc...also a 14 bolt video would be a logical progression.

[@wvjeepguy8178]

Showing something with a 3rd member would be a big contrast to a Dana axle video. Toyota 8", Ford 9", etc...also a 14 bolt video would be a logical progression.

[@christopherwebb6133]

Ian, 2016 ford superduty dana 60 and a 2016 ford 10.5 sterling axle.

[@ljbenziger]

When you're dreading doing your jks ring and pinion but Ians like I got you fam 💪🏻

[@craigmaurer8484]

Thanks for the tip of a shot of wd40 on the bearings when checking pinion inch pounds, used it today on my TJ regear.

[@GULIVERSOFFROAD]

i have been watching all your videos on doing a ring and pinion install i have been having a hard time finding a shop to do mine in my 08 rubicon the last place gave me an estimate of 2999 and that was with me having the gear install kit al ready from yukon

[@StormbornJKU]

It’s awesome to see the knowledge and skills you have to do something like this. I can’t even imagine tackling a regear of an axle, and you make it look easy with confidence and skill set. Thanks for the awesome video!

[@BigTireGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@scomi]

Always wondered why you can't just install the crush sleeve, take it back apart, measure the height with it crushed add a few thousands for the spring back on the crush sleve and put that many shims in with the solid sleeve. That way it's in once with the crush sleeve, taken back out and put back in with the correct number of shims. After a few trial and errors, you'd know exactly how much the crush sleve springs back. From then on. Keep up the great work!

[@BigTireGarage]

You could do that, but really you are doing the same amount of work essentially

[@conradsenior5843]

very good install tips. Thanks

[@PaulKaiser42]

That was awesome!!! I have never been able to load axles before but I also never had such detail to refer to

[@RobKingRC]

I love changing Ring and Pinions.

[@BigTireGarage]

Me too

[@RobKingRC]

@@BigTireGarage Yeah i remember hearing you say that in a Xtreme 4x4 episode. Might have been the Harvester episode..

[@baggerrider8073]

I’ve watched you on other shows (power nation for example) and I really enjoy anything you are doing/presenting. I hope your builds continue on this channel.

[@BigTireGarage]

I appreciate that!

[@kevingray4996]

Excellent video

[@BigTireGarage]

Glad you liked it

[@eddaeges9309]

To me,That is allot of work. The companies earn their $$ on these installations.

[@armaletalia3254]

But can you trust them to do it right? Can you trust them to fix it if they don't? G'luck.

[@cheshreve904]

Love the tutorials. Would love to see some longer videos, or maybe a few more updates throughout the week. Keep up the good work.

[@BigTireGarage]

Noted!

[@RobKingRC]

I always use the solid spacer also..Definitely the easiest way..

[@BigTireGarage]

It sure is!

[@jdofmemi]

Also, some explanation of why you use the solid sleeve instead of a crush sleeve would be good for those who don't know. Racers say it's not needed, but for rock crawlers I believe in them. I quit breaking so many gearsets after I went solid👍

[@BigTireGarage]

Yeah, I swap em no matter what....it isn't worth the 70 bucks that solid spacer costs to run a crush sleeve

[@boatsandjeeps780]

@Big Tire Garage lm gonna take a guess. so after awhile the pinion bearings loose some preload then the pinion starts to get sloppy and gets worse the longer its in there until the pattern and backlash is so far off then starts breaking gears?

[@tslucam]

Awesome. Finally a good video on a JK D44. Thank you! Next axle? How about a 2005+ Ford D60.

[@BigTireGarage]

Great suggestion!

[@m2autoworks]

I would like to see more on the contact patterns.

[@BigTireGarage]

Will do

[@mustardfj40]

Awesome! Since 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma front diff is very different with the clamp shell, can you please do an ARB install into the 2016-2022 front differential of a Toyota Tacoma. There's no such video for this set up. Lots rear not no front clamp shell ARB install. Thanks much

[@sylvain-paulcote5470]

Thanks! Keep them coming! ;)

[@ronbellaire9329]

When building drag race style Dana 60 axles I always polished the pinion and shined the bearing we were using. Too much chance of difference in size with a set up bearing. In all cases check the wear pattern like you show.

[@M402Japan]

Please do a Ford 8.8 video and a TTB d44 for us OBS Ford people!

[@zacharyfike1071]

Finally some more content.

[@nicholasbaldwin1674]

Nice!!!! I am building a set of JK44s. Trusses them this weekend and upgrading brackets etc. Would love to do my own gears

[@BigTireGarage]

Take your time, it isn't that difficult to do

[@nicholasbaldwin1674]

@@BigTireGarage all the tools required are what keeps me from doing it mostly. I don't often if ever do it so almost doesn't seem worth it to buy the tools to do it. and just pay a pro to do it and do it right. be a while until I plan to do them so. thanks for the great video!

[@KevinRCMan]

12-18 Dodge ram 1500 rear pinion set up video would be nice too

[@looslimb]

Nice breakdown and instructions! Now if it was just a 2006 Dana 60 front out of an F350 Ford Super Duty. I have the 5:38 Yukon gears and install kit with the Timken bearings and will be putting a 40 spline ARB Airlocker in it with 35 spline routers and 1550 u joints I could use a looksee at build, tools, and other parts I may have missed, because I didnt see s case spreader during this video. Thanks a bunch Ian and keep them coming... oh a 14 bolt ribbed case gm rear would be awesome too!

[@BigTireGarage]

Right on! I am not a fan of case spreaders..I have actually "split" cases with a spreader

[@shanewright6958]

Great job and video 👍👍🇨🇱

[@randumadventures]

A vid for the ford version of the d44 would be nice

[@adjake1]

Wj Dana 30/44a I have a volunteer wj 😉

[@The1badxj]

Like the new channel, BUT i really cant believe the LOCKJAW shirt i ordered is coming from the Netherlands. its been a month now since i ordered it.

[@BigTireGarage]

I think a lot of those apparel places got shut down when the whole Covid 19 thing hit

[@harleyjune1233]

ok - now this was awesome - and i will say i watched the other show prior to the MT show - and did not really enjoy the truck rally wwe announcing and music - this segment you are doing is - to me - so much more enjoyable - no muting necessary - and the information as usual is just plain awesome - my jk front upgrade has this project on the board in its future... thanks - - and do you have a link to your nitrile / latex gloves - the ones i pick up at my local parts store do not last - thanks

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks

[@mikemakuh5319]

Are you going to go with that contact patch on the ring?

[@zr2dad5]

dana m200 ifs from a chevy colorado zr2.

[@BillMulholland1]

👍

[@TheOkieDude]

Rebuild a Ford 8.8! Lots of those out there.

[@jimhoran5445]

AMC 20 ring and pinion install 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jdofmemi]

I don't see where you set or checked the carrier bearing preload. You mentioned measuring the shims and adding 5 thousandths, but how do you know that's right when you were just holding it in place with a screwdriver?

[@BigTireGarage]

Because the screw driver is taking up the gap that will be filled with the shims. Once you measure for the side bearing shims, you simply add 5 thou for carrier bearing preload.

[@ap8409]

That's pretty freak'n specific. Is that a popular diff? How about a "normal" Dana 44, Ford 9" or 8.8", or Mopar 8 3/4"?

[@BigTireGarage]

Doing the rear JK Dana 44 now, 9" will be next..then SD 60 and the 14 Bolt

[@adamament1675]

Could you do a SD60? I’ve watched a few other videos and I’m going to do it. Just wanted to see your method to the madness!

[@BigTireGarage]

I do have a 60 planned in the next month or so

[@adamament1675]

Big Tire Garage Awesome can’t wait

[@atom31b]

Ian, my rear pinion seal is leaking. Can I safely replace it without having to worry about messing up the preload and/or the crush sleeve?

[@BigTireGarage]

Yes, just mark the position of the nut on the pinion...I use a cold chisel and count the threads showing past the nut prior to removal

[@Robert-ex2qp]

@@BigTireGarage My question exactly, how to replace pinion and axle seals without messing up the gear settings for different axles? I like your shows, there more on tech than sales and your off-road is in the woods not desert.

[@SWBCrawler]

Great video Ian! Since you're talking about a JK 44, i'm cuious. If you were pairing a JK 44 front with an 8-lug d60 rear, how would you get the bolt patterns to match up? Ive got a late 80's early 90's full float 60 rear, and a matching kingpin d60 front. I'm considering narrowing the rear to JK width, putting 35 spline capable spindles on it, and going with a JK front axle instead of using the KP 60 front (ive got reasons.. :P ). But i don't know how to get the bolt patterns to match up for wheel mounting. Thanks! And keep up the good work!

[@BigTireGarage]

Sheel adapters would be the easiest wat to be honest

[@SWBCrawler]

@@BigTireGarage easy, sure. That'll make it wider though.

[@308Reaper]

Is it the same procedure for the rear JK 44?

[@BigTireGarage]

yes, but it comes factory with pinion shims for rotational load....I am currently working on the rear video right now

[@rpmofga]

@@BigTireGarage I have an AEV Brute double cab with a 6.4 Hemi..I'm having a issue with rings and pinions. I think deleting the crush sleeve is a great idea! Maybe that will slow down my replacements LOL. I will be upgrading to Dana 60s as soon as parts are available (any suggestions would be a great idea of course) she's not a huge off-roader but I would like to be able to put the power to the ground.. Side note: do you have the set-up timken bearing number?

[@conradsenior5843]

i got shocked real bad once and my hair looked like that.

[@308Reaper]

Are there only 2 episodes on Amazon prime and its dated 2019. Is this correct or am I missing something. I watch all your youtube vids.

[@BigTireGarage]

The Prime Stuff is slower to load that KZbins....

[@BigTireGarage]

But to answer your question, there are only 2 episodes of the Gomanche on there right now...we have been delayed in getting new ones up with this whole virus deal...but they are in review right now.

[@308Reaper]

That's awsome your doing a great good!

[@ryanlitus7027]

Ford 8.8

[@MrMrsregor]

yes please !

[@escuelaviejafarms]

🤘😎🤘

[@adamturk8656]

Comanche! Need I say more.

[@BigTireGarage]

It is coming

[@dobermanracing]

Build a Ford 9" with a 10" ring gear or a Rockwell.

[@BigTireGarage]

Working on a couple 9" right now. Info will be the same with the 10" gear

[@justemptiedeverypocket9520]

First

[@chitun3275]

Yang sayang aku like yang cinta allah coment.

[@techi3075]

Damn Ian, I cringed watching you drop that carrier in the housing multiple times. Nothing like slamming two hardened new gears onto each other not to mention the ARB line.

[@BigTireGarage]

The gears don't slam together.....do it all the time

[@Dickchucksteve1982]

How about doing a Dana 44 from a 70’s ford half ton.