How hard is it to swap an LSD into a truck that came with an open rear. I was going to stop by the wrecking yard and see if i could get a LSD out of a 2500. Is it even possible to do? would i need the pinion too? or would i be better to get a complete axle to swap in (possibly a D 80). Can i swap my ring gear over to the LSD carrier and avoid changing the pinion?

 

Complete axle would be best.

It's hard to setup a set of used gears properly. I know of several people who do gears, and they won't touch a set of used gears.

You NEVER want to use the pinion from one gear set with the ring gear from another. they are sold as a matched set, and should always be used that way.

Putting a LSD in is easy, but will require setting up the gears, preferably with new gears being used.

You can swap the ring gear, but chances are about 90% they won't set up right. Minor differences in the carriers will make a big difference in the gear pattern.

 

Lookup Randy's ring and pinion online and see what he has to offer. Your best bet is going to be to go with a good quality new LSD and gear set, if you can't find a low mile used axle assy. You could install a LSD with your current gear set but would probably get a little gear noise, may not be noticeable with the Cummins though

 

You don't state your gear ratio. I happen to have 2 LSD's left from my swap to 3:54. PM me if your interested.

Randy

 

To install an LSD you don't need to completely reset the gears - only in a gear swap which you are not doing. The big deal with swapping in a complete used gear set is that there is no starting point for the installer to determine pinion depth. The correct jig that goes in place of the carrier to determine it's center line in relation to the depth of the pinion bore is uncommon and also requires that the installer have depth/ratio data that is uncommon and difficult to obtain. The only other way is by trial and error. Experienced installers often record and log pinion depth data when they do used swaps of certain ratios to cut down on most of the trial and error time. New gear sets (including factory Dana gear sets) usually have the proper pinion depth set up measurement scribed on the end of the pinion to eliminate this hassle......factory installed gear sets USUALLY do NOT have this. Otherwise, every other aspect of setting up a used ring and pinion set is identical to a new set.

Installing a LSD in place of your open carrier is not a problem and can be done by anyone compotent in ring and pinion installation. Since the pinion is not removed if you are using your existing gear set, the pinion depth does NOT need to be reset or altered. Only back lash, carrier bearing preload and the proper mesh pattern need to be determined. If you are not experienced and properly equipped to do Dana axle ring and pinion work, leave it to a trusted professional.

 

I didn't think it would be wise to mix/match gears and carriers. I know the basics of setting up gears, but i don't know that i would want to mess with it in my own rig.

Does anyone know what a used (or new) LSD carrier is worth? Are there any other cost effective (read cheap) alternatives?

I may go looking for a complete D80 rear end, i know where there is one of them for sure , but i think my dad wants to keep his .

 

I thought about this route, and figured it would cost about 900.00 bucks, with the existing gears, and IF I could find someone to set up those gears with the new carrier. The fact that I wanted rear disk also came into play, as that would have cost another 600.00+. I found a complete 2001.5 rear, with the same gears, disk brakes, and an LSD in it, for much less than estimated 1,700.00+ for piecing it together, so guess which way I went.

Chris

 

9 times out of 10 use the same shims on the carrier and it will work i have done quite a few. just check back lash before and after. to many sodas "lash" dont look rite

 

Unless i can get one cheap , i might have to go with a complete axel, a D80 if i can.

Now , how do i identify a D 80 with LSD while crusing the wrecking yard? (Assuming the tag under the hood of the truck is gone or un-ledgable)