Gonna do the dirty 3rd member thing

[70charginglizard]

Well as tax return time drawing near, I think I've made the decision.
I'm going to get a nice 3:23 489 sure grip 3rd member and replace the 3rd member Ive got in there right now.
My main question to you all is what's the scoop? Is it difficult? I've never done it before.
I still need to get the new unit but I'm wondering if there is anything else you all think I should do at the sime time since I'm diggin into it or do you think it will be a straight 3rd member only swap out. what about the axles? Just curious as to what this is all going to involve before hand so I have everything I may need before I start turnin wrenches.

[charger50071]

All you need is some basic hand tools and a pair of jack stands, 1-2 hours later WOW!

[Charger-Bodie]

I'd put some new "green" axle bearings in while you got it apart.

[1BAD68]

I'm going to get a nice 3:23 489 sure grip 3rd member and replace the 3rd member Ive got in there right now.
My main question to you all is what's the scoop? Is it difficult? I've never done it before.
I still need to get the new unit but I'm wondering if there is anything else you all think I should do at the sime time since I'm diggin into it or do you think it will be a straight 3rd member only swap out. what about the axles? Just curious as to what this is all going to involve before hand so I have everything I may need before I start turnin wrenches.

I would get a 742 instead of the 489 only because its easily rebuildable (clutches)
Your axles will fit. Talk to DoctorDiff and he'll set you up.
Personally I wouldn't use the "green bearings" I've read that they're not made to withstand side loading.

[NMike]

I'd put some new "green" axle bearings in while you got it apart.

X2. cause after you finish playing with the diff, i can almost guarantee the axle seals will start leaking.

[70charginglizard]

What are all these special tool I see in the service manual in regards to removing the axles? Tool set C3971
and where can I get these?

[70charginglizard]

Personally I wouldn't use the "green bearings" I've read that they're not made to withstand side loading.

So what would you recommend then?

[firefighter3931]

Kelly, what case is in the car now ? There are gears available for all the 83/4 centersections and the clutch sure grip can be fit into any/all of them. 

Green bearings work fine....Ford trucks run the sealed Green bearings for hundreds of thousands of miles with no issues. I have them in my newly built Dana.



Ron

[RD]

What are all these special tool I see in the service manual in regards to removing the axles? Tool set C3971
and where can I get these?

I actually had these tools, but you do not need them.  Just get a magnetic base dial indicator, some marking compound, a dull tipped flat tip screwdriver (takes place of spanner wrench), and if you are using a 489 case, the crush sleeve eliminator part (dont know the name, hopefully someone will chime in) OR just find a 742 case and call it good.

Sounds like you have a chassis service manual right?  read before you act is all I have to say.

setting up a 3rd member is not difficult.  make sure you have proper side load clearance and your marking compound wear pattern is according to OEM specs.

Good luck.

[70charginglizard]

Kelly, what case is in the car now ? There are gears available for all the 83/4 centersections and the clutch sure grip can be fit into any/all of them. 

Green bearings work fine....Ford trucks run the sealed Green bearings for hundreds of thousands of miles with no issues. I have them in my newly built Dana.



Ron

Whats in it now is a 489 case.
The e-bay auction I won was another 489 case. only difference is the fact that mine is a 2:76 non sure grip. As the one I just won off e-bay is a 3:23 sure grip unit.
So I would think it would just be a drop and swap. Unless the sure grip vs non sure grip would have something to do with the length of the axles? Which I'm gettin inputs that it might???

oh, ps. my original thats in there ringh now is a large yoke. So is the replacement 3rd member thats on it's way.

[firefighter3931]

Kelly, what case is in the car now ? There are gears available for all the 83/4 centersections and the clutch sure grip can be fit into any/all of them. 

Green bearings work fine....Ford trucks run the sealed Green bearings for hundreds of thousands of miles with no issues. I have them in my newly built Dana.



Ron

Whats in it now is a 489 case.
The e-bay auction I won was another 489 case. only difference is the fact that mine is a 2:76 non sure grip. As the one I just won off e-bay is a 3:23 sure grip unit.
So I would think it would just be a drop and swap. Unless the sure grip vs non sure grip would have something to do with the length of the axles? Which I'm gettin inputs that it might???

oh, ps. my original thats in there ringh now is a large yoke. So is the replacement 3rd member thats on it's way.

That housing should drop right in. Just adjust the end play on the axle and it's good to go. 




Ron