Post by: JFanaselle on January 07, 2017, 02:07:57 PM
Update: project date is officially set for Saturday 2/18/17. This is President's Day weekend, which is optimal for me because it provides a couple extra days in case the project turns into a cluster f*** and requires time to acquire replacement OEM parts or repair damages or something. I understand it also means people could have plans and/or might be out of town, but I'm hoping we can get at least a few sets of hands/genius minds here to help out.
I plan to feed lunch to everyone coming out to help. Not sure if it'll be BBQ (maybe Carne Asada with all the fixings) or Costco pizza - depends on how many people plan to show up, and what the weather looks like. I'll also have plenty of bottled water, and cheap and medium-priced beer on hand. If you prefer anything "special" (you know who you are, beer snobs) or something non-alcoholic, please bring your own. I'll have a couple of coolers and ice in the garage for your drinks.
I'd like to start at 9:00 am as a group, but plan to get started myself even earlier (probably even the night before) with removing skid plates, removing tires, etc. Just stuff that tends to make your project take forever to get off the ground. So feel free to show up a little early if you'd like.
Please post up if you plan on coming, that way I can make sure there's enough food and beer for everyone. It's a kid-friendly venue as well, and my 4 year old will surely be in the mix and getting in the way of everything. :) Gavin has tons of toys in his play room and loves when other kids come over to play, so feel free to bring your little ones too (as long as you're able to keep enough of an eye on them to prevent them from running in the street or something). I'll send everyone a PM with my address and phone number once you declare that you're "in."
Thanks again!
Original Post:
As some of you already know, I've been acquiring parts to swap my rear axle from a C200 to an M226 with an e-locker. The process will also be taking me from 3.13 gears to 3.36, which means I need to do something about the front end. After thinking long and hard about a Titan swap, I decided I'd be better off to just swap in a 3.36 factory R180 and save the T swap for another day (mostly because it'll break up the expense of the project for now).
I've acquired most of what I need and I'm ready to schedule a date for the project. This is where I could really benefit from the expertise of this community, and I'm raising my hand for help. I'd be willing to take the project anywhere else, but I'd prefer to do it at my own house because with a front differential, complete rear axle, new leaf springs, and some other components, it would be quite an undertaking to haul it all somewhere else. Plus, I can prep some of the work ahead of time in my own garage and hopefully speed up the process on the day of the actual swap. That said, if someone makes an argument that it's a far better idea to do it at your place, speak up and we'll figure out the logistics.
At this point, my calendar is pretty much open for most weekends. I was shooting for the weekend of February 18th, as it gives plenty of time for people to commit to the date around any existing plans. Is there anyone that would be free to lend a hand on the 18th and/or 19th at my place in Murrieta? I'll gladly provide all the food, and drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) that is required! I'm pretty sure I have all the tools I need, including a great 3 ton jack and an older 3 ton jack, a set of 6 ton jack stands, a set of 3 ton jack stands, sockets/wrenches, and a good air compressor/impact wrench/air ratchet.
The project will entail the following:
*Remove the C200 rear axle and existing leaf springs
*Install the new M226 rear axle and wire up the e-locker
*Remove and replace the R180 front diff
I've acquired the following parts so far:
*M226 rear axle out of a 2006 Xterra Offroad with e-locker, geared in 3.36
*New U-bolt flip kit
*New OME Dakar leaf springs
*R180 front diff geared in 3.36
*Driver and Passenger side front axle seals
*Factory wiring harness for e-locker
*OTRATTW dash switch for e-locker
Still need to acquire:
*Fluids for front and rear diff
*RTV silicone sealant to remove and reinstall the rear diff cover (looks to be slightly leaking anyway, plus I want to give the thing a quick look/cleaning inside), plus grease for the shackles and leaf bushings
*Anything else that anyone can think of that I need?
Other things I don't have much of on hand are grease/anti-seize, etc. I don't do a lot of major work on vehicles typically, so I don't have a lot of the "regular mechanic" stuff lying around all the time. Any of this that people can bring would be helpful (or maybe that's a great argument to do it at your place instead).
My plan is to wire up the harness and switch ahead of time, and maybe even work on pulling the old axle out the night before (or at least get starting on it - draining fluids, etc). I'll spray everything up with PB Blaster a few days ahead of time so the bolts are easy to work with, and I'll have the new axle as ready to go as possible. Most of the brake parts will need to be swapped over as well, so I might start some of that work the day before if I can do it by myself.
Any help from anyone experienced in this type of project is sure appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Post by: JFanaselle on January 07, 2017, 03:22:36 PM
Project Update 1/17/17:
Today, I started the process of wiring up the e-locker harness. I tapped into the factory "Diff Lock" light in the instrument cluster so that I'll have the dash light to let me know when the locker is physically engaged. The light uses a negative input in the factory instrument cluster harness, which you can tie right to the end switch in the e-locker. That way, when the light is on, you know you have positive engagement of the locker.
I still haven't decided exactly where to install the switch, as all of my factory switch ports are in use (too many accessories and lights I guess). I'm tempted to mount it on the overhead console, in front of the sunglasses holder, and relocate the ARB air compressor switch next to it as well. That way, they're both up high on the roof and away from the dash, and would be nearly impossible to accidentally engage (this is a concern of mine with the locker directly wired).
Acquisition of parts for the project is well underway. I have just about everything I need, but there are still a few things left:
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/DSC_0568.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/DSC_0568.jpg.html)
Here's what I have so far:
1. New Old Man Emu medium duty Dakar leaf springs
2. Bushings for the leaf springs
3. New PRG U-bolt flip kit
4. Used R180 differential with 3.36 gearing (not pictured)
5. Used M226 axle with 3.36 gearing and e-locker (not pictured)
6. New OEM Nissan R180 axle seals (left and right)
7. New OEM Nissan breather nipple for axle (for extended diff breather mod)
8. 2 quarts of Royal Purple synthetic 75W-140 gear oil for rear diff
9. 1 quart of Lucas Oil 80W-90 gear oil for the front diff
10. 1 large bottle of DOT3 brake fluid
11. 2 cans of brake parts cleaner (the stupid California compliant kind)
12. New OEM Nissan bolts and nuts (6 of each) to attach the driveshaft to the rear diff
13. 1 can of foaming degreasing spray to clean up the M226 axle before installation
14. Used OEM Nissan E-locker harness
15. OTRATTW "rear locker" illuminated rocker switch
16. Cheap Harbor Freight special "seal puller." Not even sure why I need this, but it was only like 3 bucks and I've been told it makes it much easier to change the R180 axle seals
17. Fluid pump (for transfer case fluid change)
18. New drain pan (I already have one, but a second one wouldn't hurt for a project of this size)
19. A box of gallon-sized ziplock (freezer) bags for nuts and bolts and other parts, to help speed up re-assembly
20. Anti-seize and a tub of grease (thanks to RikRong for the loan!)
Other stuff I already have on hand/around the garage:
1. Two 3-ton floor jacks
2. A pair of 6 ton jack stands and another pair of 3 ton jack stands
3. Plenty of Fast Orange hand cleaner and Lava soap
4. Headlamps
5. Several rolls of shop towels and some rags
6. 3/8" Metric Hex Sockets (for drain plugs)
7. Air compressor, impact wrench and air ratchet
8. 1/2" drive torque wrench
Still need to purchase or borrow for the project:
1. Socket for the front axle nuts (will probably purchase one, since it's good to have one in the tool bag. Just need a good lead on one since I've heard that some are too thick to fit through the hole in the front hub assembly)
2.
3. Transfer case fluid - I think I'll be buying the genuine Nissan stuff, unless someone can recommend a good aftermarket solution. I didn't want to buy the cheap store brand stuff, and that's all they had at the auto parts stores around me
4.
5.
6.
7.
Project update 1/27/17:
I took the axle outside and gave it a bath in some foaming engine degreaser. Just wanted to get some of the brake fluid and other crud off of it, so it's a little easier to handle.
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/DSC_0609.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/DSC_0609.jpg.html)
After the bath, I brought it inside and got it up on some jack stands to be easier to work with. I popped the rear diff cover off and gave it a good inspection. Everything looks nice and intact inside, with no chips or pits in the metal on the gears. I let the old gear oil drain out overnight so that I was confident as much of it as possible was gone.
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/DSC_0614.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/DSC_0614.jpg.html)
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/DSC_0615.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/DSC_0615.jpg.html)
I installed my new breather nipple (to simplify the connection of the hose for my diff breather mod), and cut off/ground down the tabs for the abs sensor wires. This is necessary in order for the U-bolt flip kit to be installed (there is one edge of the outermost tabs that gets in the way of the upper plate for the flip kit). After they were ground away, I hit the bare metal spots with a spritz of black spray paint to hold the rust off as long as possible.
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/DSC_0616.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/DSC_0616.jpg.html)
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/DSC_0620.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/DSC_0620.jpg.html)
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/DSC_0622.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/DSC_0622.jpg.html)
Then it was time to reinstall the diff cover. This axle came with an aftermarket diff cover (I think it's one of the BTF ones, but it fits like a glove). I can clearly tell that this cover spent part of it's life in bright pink (and it even has an outline of a breast cancer ribbon in the old paint), so I gave it a couple coats of the same black "hammered finish" spray paint that I used on my skid plates. You can see the outline of the ribbon pretty good in the photo, but it's not nearly that noticeable in person. I used the same gray RTV silicone that I used on my previous diff cover install (on my C200 axle), and made sure to get a good even bead on it. I slid the jackstands off of the spring perches so that the yoke would turn downward, which allowed me to install the diff cover much easier than it normally is when your axle is already on the truck. I slowly placed it on the back of the diff, perfectly aligned with the holes. I then installed the screws and finger tightened them, allowing the RTV to set for about 20 minutes and firm up a little. At that point, I tightened the screws the rest of the way.
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/DSC_0624.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/DSC_0624.jpg.html)
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/DSC_0626.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/DSC_0626.jpg.html)
At this point, she's as ready for install as she can be, until I'm ready to actually start pulling parts off my truck. I'll swap most of the brake components over next (all of the brake parts on my rig are only about 20,000 miles old, vs. about 90,000 miles on this axle), but I can't really do that until I'm ready to actually swap the axle in since I need brakes. :P
Post by: RBduffer on January 07, 2017, 05:18:59 PM
Any Feb. weekend but the 11th is good for me :-*
Post by: RikRong on January 07, 2017, 06:17:25 PM
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Post by: Celt on January 08, 2017, 05:52:23 AM
Post by: Ghost65 on January 08, 2017, 09:11:23 AM
A couple of things to add to your list:
Brake cleaner spray
Headlamp...for hands free night work
Parts bins...old Tupperware or ziploc baggies (get thicker freezer version for durability ) so you can stay organized during demo and re-assembly
A handful of sharpies and grease pencils for marking your drive train and other parts
A small box of nitrile gloves to keep your hands...and Jessica's walls clean
Disposable and cloth shop towels...for cleaning parts and the job at hand...literally
A fresh tub of your favorite pumice based hand cleaner
A couple of catch basins for fluids (brake fluid, diff oils, etc) and a funnel...I can provide these if you don't already have them
Black RTV silicone sealant...for your diff cover.
A set of 3/8 based metric hex head sockets...for your diff plugs...I have these too and can provide
A BFS (36mm) to remove your axle nuts
Torque wrench...and research and print a list of the tolerances you`ll need beforehand, then tape it to your windshield for reference. This will really speed things along during assembly
If I think of anything else Ill drop a post here or text you.
Oh, and...
A nice soft chair for The Duffman to supervise from... ;)
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Post by: Celt on January 08, 2017, 09:30:56 AM
Post by: Ghost65 on January 08, 2017, 09:55:26 AM
Post by: RBduffer on January 08, 2017, 02:02:16 PM
I can also corral The Monkey when he's not 'Grunting' on something >:D
I got cords and power strips if needed as well.
Post by: occupantX on January 08, 2017, 07:10:26 PM
Post by: Jayrat on January 08, 2017, 08:08:54 PM
My Dad was a Television repair man
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Post by: JFanaselle on January 09, 2017, 01:27:49 AM
Thanks to everyone offering to help. Looks like we'll have PLENTY of hands on deck, so don't feel bad if something comes up and you can't make it. I was planning to BBQ, but with this many folks, I may just have to order pizza or something. :)
At this point, I'm thinking Saturday Feb 18th would work best, but let's not settle on a date until we get closer and know how everyone's schedules are lining up. I'd really like for Ghost to be there since he's done a rear axle swap on his old rig, so we'll see what his schedule shapes up like.
Thanks again everyone! It sure is nice to know you don't have to tackle a project like this alone. O0
Post by: Celt on January 09, 2017, 07:25:19 AM
Have gloves , no experience , but I'm pretty Handy
My Dad was a Television repair man
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Nice job Spicoli......
Post by: JFanaselle on January 17, 2017, 09:16:18 PM
Here's what was included in the OP Update: project date is officially set for Saturday 2/18/17. This is President's Day weekend, which is optimal for me because it provides a couple extra days in case the project turns into a cluster f*** and requires time to acquire replacement OEM parts or repair damages or something. I understand it also means people could have plans and/or might be out of town, but I'm hoping we can get at least a few sets of hands/genius minds here to help out.
I plan to feed lunch to everyone coming out to help. Not sure if it'll be BBQ (maybe Carne Asada with all the fixings) or Costco pizza - depends on how many people plan to show up, and what the weather looks like. I'll also have plenty of bottled water, and cheap and medium-priced beer on hand. If you prefer anything "special" (you know who you are, beer snobs) or something non-alcoholic, please bring your own. I'll have a couple of coolers and ice in the garage for your drinks.
I'd like to start at 9:00 am as a group, but plan to get started myself even earlier (probably even the night before) with removing skid plates, removing tires, etc. Just stuff that tends to make your project take forever to get off the ground. So feel free to show up a little early if you'd like.
Please post up if you plan on coming, that way I can make sure there's enough food and beer for everyone. It's a kid-friendly venue as well, and my 4 year old will surely be in the mix and getting in the way of everything. :) Gavin has tons of toys in his play room and loves when other kids come over to play, so feel free to bring your little ones too (as long as you're able to keep enough of an eye on them to prevent them from running in the street or something). I'll send everyone a PM with my address and phone number once you declare that you're "in."
Thanks again!
Post by: steve c on January 17, 2017, 09:32:11 PM
(not sure how much help I'll be, but usually something is heavy and I can help with that!)
Post by: JFanaselle on January 17, 2017, 09:57:20 PM
Post by: Ghost65 on January 18, 2017, 08:25:39 AM
Post by: Jayrat on January 18, 2017, 08:45:27 AM
but I'll be on the Bradshaw Trail
Post by: JFanaselle on January 18, 2017, 09:10:16 AM
My plan is to be there Joe...just waiting for the official "green light" from work.
Fingers crossed!
Sorry buddy ,I'd love to be there and have Ayden hang out with Gavin,
but I'll be on the Bradshaw Trail
No worries bud, have fun out there!
Post by: RBduffer on January 18, 2017, 09:33:35 AM
Just kidding... I'll be there with jack stands and a grease gun, and I'm not afraid to use it.
Post by: JFanaselle on January 18, 2017, 11:10:07 AM
Post by: occupantX on January 19, 2017, 08:46:17 PM
Post by: JFanaselle on January 21, 2017, 03:54:09 PM
Post by: Celt on January 21, 2017, 05:01:32 PM
Post by: JFanaselle on January 26, 2017, 10:30:36 PM
Post by: knightrider on January 26, 2017, 11:05:51 PM
Post by: JFanaselle on January 26, 2017, 11:21:47 PM
PS - the second post on the thread has been revised with a project update
Post by: knightrider on January 27, 2017, 09:06:22 AM
Post by: knightrider on January 27, 2017, 09:23:04 AM
Still need to purchase or borrow for the project:
1. Socket for the front axle nuts (will probably purchase one, since it's good to have one in the tool bag. Just need a good lead on one since I've heard that some are too thick to fit through the hole in the front hub assembly)
2. Another pair of jack stands - so we can work on the front and rear at the same time while also having the axle supported on a pair while brake parts are swapped over (would like to borrow a set from someone who is coming to help, if possible)
3. Transfer case fluid - I think I'll be buying the genuine Nissan stuff, unless someone can recommend a good aftermarket solution. I didn't want to buy the cheap store brand stuff, and that's all they had at the auto parts stores around me
4. Black RTV Silicone Sealant for the diff cover
5. A new box of disposable gloves, as I'm getting pretty low
6. Smaller 3/8" drive torque wrench for some of the smaller stuff like the drive shaft bolts (would like to borrow one from someone coming to help, if possible)
7. A small pack of cloth shop towels
I can bring 1, 2, 3 and 6 on sunday.
I have the socket you need.
I have 4 6-ton jackstands.
I have amsoil atf which is what i run in my transfer case.
I never use it but ill bring a 3/8 torque wrench. I learned wrenching from my shop teacher, Mr Goodntight. Always worked for me.
Post by: Ghost65 on January 27, 2017, 09:47:04 AM
Post by: JFanaselle on January 27, 2017, 09:57:55 AM
I'll likely have Gavin by myself tomorrow morning, so I probably won't get much done until Saturday afternoon/evening, and hope to wrap the project up completely by the end of Sunday. I was thinking I would just get the rear axle done and save the front diff for another day and live without 4WD for a while (it's much easier to bring the front diff project to someone else's house, which may get a few more hands on deck to help). But with Jordan now potentially showing up on Sunday, we may end up getting the whole thing done after all.
Jordan - I was thinking about it, and I believe my transfer case fluid is only about 18,000 miles old (I had to have the TC output seal replaced, and they drained and refilled the fluid). Is it something that's considerably easier to drain/replace while the front diff is being pulled out, or would it make sense to save that fluid change for another day just to focus on the overall task at hand? Also, do you happen to have any synthetic fluid for the front diff? I couldn't find any at the local auto parts stores, so I ended up with a bottle of Lucas Oil non-synthetic. I'm sure it'll be fine, but I'd rather run something synthetic if I can.
Post by: knightrider on January 27, 2017, 02:14:41 PM
That reminds me, Steve needs to change his transfer case output seal :D
Post by: zaphos on January 27, 2017, 05:54:33 PM
4. Black RTV Silicone Sealant for the diff cover
5. A new box of disposable gloves, as I'm getting pretty low
6. Smaller 3/8" drive torque wrench for some of the smaller stuff like the drive shaft bolts (would like to borrow one from someone coming to help, if possible)
7. A small pack of cloth shop towels
./Mark
Post by: JFanaselle on January 27, 2017, 11:05:16 PM
Well, I intended on tinkering with the project a little today, and I ended up nearly completing the entire rear axle portion. I decided that if I pull my Xterra into my garage sideways, I would be able to close down the door at night so that I can drag the project out over a couple of days (this was my initial concern with getting it all done at once - the fact that my rig would be half in/half out of the garage and taken apart). I put it up in the air and removed the rear wheels and wheel spacers, then began to pull brake parts off of the C200 axle.
I started out by disconnecting the rear brake lines on the Xterra and draining them while making as little of a mess as possible. I planned to use just the calipers and rotors, but I discovered that one side of the emergency/parking brake setup on the M226 was in pretty bad shape, including chunks taken out of the brake shoes. I'm not sure if any of you have had to work on your e-brakes before, but the setup is a PITA to work with. I didn't even know if I was going to be able to swap the parts over, but I practiced on the C200 first by taking apart one entire side and putting it back together. Once I was confident that I wasn't going to screw it up, I pulled all the bad parts out of the M226 and swapped in the parts from the C200. This one parking brake side alone probably took me about an hour and a half. Like I said, major PITA! Once that was complete, I finished moving the rotors and calipers over, as well as the hard lines that are fixed to the axle, as the ones on the M226 were bent and crushed in some places from when I transported the axle. I also installed the ABS sensors into the M226.
I then proceeded to start disconnecting everything from the C200 in the vehicle, including the drive shaft, emergency brake cables, ABS sensors, and diff breather tube. Once the axle was ready to come out, I rolled a jack under the pumpkin and removed the u-bolts and unbolted the rear ends of the leaf springs. Unfortunately, the axle ended up falling off the jack as I was rolling it out, so I ended up having to muscle it out of there with just elbow grease.
I installed the bushings in the new OME springs and put a good coat of grease and anti-sieze wherever appropriate (thanks again to RikRong for letting me borrow some). I then bolted up the front sides of the leaf springs and allowed the rears to dangle onto the floor. I rolled the new axle into position (using my better jack this time, so it wouldn't fall off) and jacked it high enough off the floor that I could bolt up the rear sides of the leafs. I then carefully lowered the axle into position and spent some time and effort working each side perfectly into position (once the center pin found the hole in the bottom of the spring perch. I then installed the u-bolt flip kit to anchor that sucker down to the leaf springs, and torqued them down to 80 ft-lbs. so they're nice and tight.
Then it was just a matter of reconnecting everything - the diff breather hose, the ABS sensor plugs, the brake lines, the drive shaft, and the emergency brake cables. It ended up taking me all day to get this much done, but it was so rewarding, and it was nice to be able to work on it at my own pace and figure things out. All I have to do tomorrow is fill the diff up with fluid and bleed the brakes (which I hate doing, but it's gotta get done). Then I'll probably start tackling the front diff.
Some photos from today:
Xterra pulled into the garage sideways and rear end up on jack stands:
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/01.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/01.jpg.html)
Ouch... I discovered this when I removed one of the tires. Looks like I'll be paying a visit to America's Tire once I get everything put back together:
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/02.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/02.jpg.html)
After the C200 fell from off of the jack. You know you're not supposed to, but you always try to catch heavy things when they unexpectedly fall (and you always fail at it). Such was the case today, and I ended up crushing my left arm in the process. Stupid me:
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/04.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/04.jpg.html)
Look Mom, no
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/05.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/05.jpg.html)
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/06.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/06.jpg.html)
All of the old stuff:
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/07.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/07.jpg.html)
New leaf springs and bushings partially installed... ready for the new axle to be rolled into position:
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/08.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/08.jpg.html)
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/09.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/09.jpg.html)
U-bolt flip kit installed:
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/10.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/10.jpg.html)
Before:
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/11_2.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/11_2.jpg.html)
After:
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/12.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/12.jpg.html)
And after about 10 hours of working on this, when I just couldn't do any more for the day, I remembered why I parked it sideways in the garage. The wife's car even still fits, so I don't have to hear her complain about the cold in the morning. :)
(http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee234/jfanaselle/13.jpg) (http://s231.photobucket.com/user/jfanaselle/media/13.jpg.html)
Post by: JFanaselle on January 27, 2017, 11:12:19 PM
I'll lend a hand if you need it Sunday
I sincerely appreciate the offer Mark, but I think I'll be ok now that I've already tackled most of the rear axle swap. I'll just be doing the front diff now, which won't be nearly as much of an "all hands on deck" project as I was hoping for with the rear axle. Jordan, if you're still up for coming by, I could use your brain to keep me from doing anything stupid. lol I also never got a chance to pick up a socket for the front axles, and it would be nice if you could bring yours. Other than that (and whatever fluids you're bringing), I don't think I really need anything else at this point. I actually just updated the second post with some notes on my original "needed" list.
Post by: CAWoody on January 28, 2017, 09:08:56 AM
I have to say, i have never seen a three car garage that you could actually fit three cars into. I have one and can barely fit one car in it. :-\
Post by: RikRong on January 28, 2017, 12:29:33 PM
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Post by: RBduffer on January 28, 2017, 01:23:11 PM
PS I love a guy who can 'drop' his axle and then have the good humor to take a photo and post it ;)
Post by: JFanaselle on January 28, 2017, 05:38:27 PM
I realized when I woke up this morning just how much work that all was yesterday. My body was SO SORE. That's mostly why I took it easy today. I'm getting too old for this crap. lol
Post by: knightrider on January 28, 2017, 05:45:07 PM
Post by: JFanaselle on January 28, 2017, 06:58:43 PM
Post by: Toro on January 28, 2017, 07:31:55 PM
The time is upon us!
Post by: CAWoody on January 28, 2017, 07:37:00 PM
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Post by: JFanaselle on January 29, 2017, 08:17:52 PM
I tested out the e-locker on my street, but I don't really want to take it off road at the moment since everything around here is SUPER muddy... I have to take it to the stealership this week for some warranty work (I have a bad fuel sending unit, and a Check Engine light as a result :( ). I'm not so sure they'd be thrilled about tons of mud caked all over the undercarriage when they're dropping the fuel tank. :-\ But the locker worked just as it's supposed to, and I'm very happy I tapped into the factory "Diff Lock" light in the instrument panel. I ended up using an aircraft safety style toggle switch, just to make sure I don't accidentally engage it when I wasn't planning to (in a turn, on the highway, etc).
I can't say thanks enough to everyone who helped me with this project. There was tons of input from other members along the way; the opinions and advice, the physical help, the acquisition of parts, the loaning of tools... I'm in serious debt to you all. And I'll gladly pay my newfound knowledge forward if anyone else plans to perform a similar swap.
Some special thanks goes to:
* DannyX for the acquisition of the rear axle
* Motorpig77 and his son for coming by my house to help me unload the axle and get it stuffed away in my garage as I acquired everything I needed
* Ghost65 for the amazing checklist that helped me make sure I was super prepared for this project (I literally didn't hit a single hiccup with a part or tool that I didn't have on hand, and didn't have to take a single trip to the parts store)
* Knightrider for spending his afternoon at my house swapping out the R180, and for the synthetic front diff fluid
* RikRong for the R180, half shafts and the grease and anti-seize (which I need to get back to you now)
* RBduffer for... umm... mmm.... being Randy! :)
* Everyone else for the moral support, encouragement and advice along the way
I'm sorry if I forgot anyone, I promise it's not on purpose. Just tired after a long weekend of wrenching! I didn't take any photos today... I know that's very out of character for me, but I was just ready to get the last part of the project done and over with.
Post by: RBduffer on January 29, 2017, 08:26:28 PM
Post by: Ghost65 on January 30, 2017, 07:13:59 AM
It takes a village...and sometimes a Taco truck just around that corner.
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Post by: Jayrat on January 30, 2017, 07:57:41 AM
Post by: Toro on January 30, 2017, 10:21:00 AM
Great work!
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Post by: zaphos on January 30, 2017, 11:47:52 AM
One day I'll have a garage like that! :-\
Post by: RikRong on January 30, 2017, 05:00:48 PM
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Post by: DannyX on January 30, 2017, 08:11:52 PM
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Post by: beedee on January 31, 2017, 09:50:22 AM