Dana 35 carrier change

[Amund2]

1986 Dana 35, w/trac-lok and 4,11-gears.

I'm changing my carrier from a (broken) track-lock to a used open one, to put in a no-slip I bought (and to get the thing running again).

My questions are: Is it a realistic bet to transfer the old carrier bearings and shims, leaving the pinion as it is, as I'm keeping my old 4,11-gears? How about bearings, should I change them to new ones? Take them out for cleaning? I'm trying to spend as little money on this as possible (aren't we all), but I have to do it properly, I have to be able to count on the car for long highway trips.

Also, my pinion yoke nut is loose for some reason. Does that mean I have to take it out and change the crush-something between the bearings, or can I just torque it back to spec?

Can I use diesel for cleaning/flushing the case?

[BrokenXJ]

I assume you are replacing the trac-lock with a used carrier. Just use the bearings from the new/used open carrier. They may be in better shape then what you have, because it sounds like your carrier is toast and that would usally stress the bearings.

First crank the pinion nut back on, and see if you have any movement in the pinion. If there is no movement, up-down, left-right you should good. I would be surprized if this is the case.

Next pull the axles, and the carrier. I would check your pre-load on your pinion now, since the carrier is out. I just turn the pinion by hand to we that there is a slight drag. in/lbs. If it is all bound up, you are going to need a new crush-sleeve, and seal.

Transfer ring gear, and put the new carrier in with the old shims. This is when you see how lucky you are. Since you did not change the gears, You may only have to adjust backlash, which in this case is the shims from side-to-side. Having said that, this would only be true if your pinion was not screwed up.

Good luck.