I have an 08 2500 4X4 with 380,000 miles. I am in need of rebuilding the rear end. It is growling going down the road. I pulled the cover and their were real fine metal particles in the oil. I am sure the bearings and bushings are worn. My big concern is the pinion depth. I understand there is a shim under the pinion gear. I do not have the tools to measure the depth that is mentioned in the service manual. I do have a 6 inch depth mic and a 1 inch dial indicator with a magnetic base. I was wondering if anyone has did this rebuild and how they set the pinion depth. I understand that is probably the most critical of the rebuild other than the back lash. I only want to do this once and would like to get it right the first time. At this time I have only removed the cover and the axels. The pinion does not seem to have any play in it so it may be ok. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Have you ever rebuilt an axle?

If not and you don't have all the correct tools to do it you will probably be doing it twice. Yes you will need to measure pinion depth.You will need to adjust the pinion depth and the side to side of the carrier to get the correct toe to heal mesh and gear depth. (Contact pattern)

 

When I was having issues with mine @270K I found a rearend in a salvage yard for $1080 and that included a 6mo. warranty with unlimited milage and that was parts and labor....HTH

Jim

 

My bad....that should've been @370k. Also that unit had @110K on a totaled truck....HTH

Jim

 

I have never built a rearend. I have called the salvage yards here in east texas with no luck. As far as rebuilding it I am up to the challenge. I have rebuilt many motors and transmissions. Thanks for the input guys.

 

Find somebody who has! If nothing more than to at least ask questions. If you have the right tools to do everything correctly it is actually easy. Although the money invested in tools will be more than paying a professional to do it right the first time and be done!
Setting up gears needs to be pretty darn precise and if done wrong it might go boom very fast and usually at the most inopportune time Or you get it close and it goes boom later but either way still costs twice as much.

This is just my opinion. My brother builds axles for a living and I have heard MANY horror stories from him about people that tried and ended up towing the vehicle to his shop with pieces in hand and saying, "Please just fix it correctly"!!! Not trying yo discourage you at all, but just letting you know to be prepared.