First, can I have the pinion bearings pressed on before I start anything? Second, what is backlash and what do I need to know about it? Also how do I remove my front axles? I only have 20k on mine so I didn't plan on changing the the axle bearings.

 

I wouldnt attempt to do a gear job yourself without a professional. It is a very time consuming, technical process that requires some special tools. Crushing the sleeves and setting the pinion preload is hard enough, let alone shimming it all perfectly. If you are even slightly off you can easily shear all the teeth off the pinion the first time you drive it. Then you have to buy new gears and start over.

 

Agreed, if you want to learn how to do it, take your jeep to a local shop that will let you sit in and watch how it's done. As far as removing your axles an backlash, just type it in google and look at the write ups on here, way more descriptive than what anyone can tell you in a simple post.

 

The closest capable shop wants big money. Between my uncle and my self I'm sure we can do it. I'm just looking for a little understanding on the whole thing. If I screw it up so be it. I can't afford the local shops around. They think because of where I live they can screw everyone.

 

So put in new gears, they go out because not installed properly. Then what? Try it again?

There is a YouTube on a gear change that explains the process... Tools... And what a backlash is and the tool you need to set it.

Good luck with it

 

Just curious, how much are they wanting to charge for it?

 

Same here, highest price I've ever heard is maybe $1200 for labor, but usually shops that charge that much offer great full coverage warranties on everything they install so if it ever breaks it doesn't cost you anything but parts after the first install...

 

Last time I heard of a qoute from the local Jeep guy was 1200-1500. I have to see them Tuesday for gussest welding so I'm going to get a quote. I'm not worried about screwing anything up. Between my uncle and me it can be done just really slow. I usually only have 1 day to do it. That's why I'm trying to learn as much as I can before hand. Biggest thing is I need help with is if I can have the pinion bearing pressed on before I start because I have to find a shop to do it on the weekend. Not likely going to happen around here.

 

That quote is about the average around here.

 

It will be a lot cheaper to have them do it. If you do it you will buy tools that you will not likely use again, materials you will not likely use again (setup bearings), and then you will have to have them replace the bearings and shims (minimum) once you figure out you did it wrong. If the gears wear, break or make noise from improper alignment you may need another set of gears too. Let the pros do the gearing and save some money by doing other mods yourself. Once you see the requirements and research the consequences (and likelihood) of improper alignment you should reassess the risk/reward.