Regearing and rebuilding my axles
I've been working on my 72 GMC Jimmy for a while. It now has a 4.8L, 6L90, and NP205. With the overdrive, I really need to do away with my 3.07 gearing.
I also broke a couple studs in the front axle, they are both open carrier, and I'm pretty sure nothing has been done to the suspension in its lifetime, so I need to redo pretty much everything.
It has a 12 bolt in the rear and a Dana 44 up front. I am going with 4.10/4.11 gears, I have a posi for the rear, and I'll need a new carrier up front. I haven't decided if I want to spend a few hundred extra to get limited slip in the front or not, but I'll decide when it comes time to order parts.
This is mostly a street truck. It will not see deep mud or rock crawling. It may see some overlanding use, but for the most part it is like a hunting rig. It has 33's on it now. I won't go any bigger because I won't lift it, but I may go back to a 31" tire.
Please tell me if I've overlooked something:
For the rear:
Replace all bearings and seals
Check pinion preload
Check wear pattern (get shims for this)
Replace leaf bushings
Brakes have already been done, including frame to axle rubber line
Check u-bolts for rust and corrosion
Replace shocks
For the front:
Replace all bearings and seals, including wheel bearings
Replace u-joints
Replace brake discs
New carrier
Check wear pattern (get shims for this)
Bearing pre-load
Replace leaf spring bushings
Check u-bolts
Replace shocks
Check steering stabilizer
Check steering joints
Rubber brake lines have been replaced
Calipers were replaced 2 years ago
Check for hub wear
I plan on using timken bearings where I can. What brand of gears should I go with? Any good guides out there?
My plan was to leave the axles installed and remove the leaf springs if I have trouble with the bushings. If I do this, I will replace the u-bolts.
Thanks for any suggestions!
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1972 GMC Jimmy Custom 4.8L (L20)/6L90E/NP205
1989 Chevy Suburban V2500 350/Turbo 400/4.11 gears
1996 Chevy Suburban K1500 350/4L60E
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