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 with Bill Johnston Swapping ARB Sidegears
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  When
upgrading to a beefier set of front axle shafts, it isn't just a quick swap
of the shafts. The kits that are out there require a gear change inside the
carrier. The stock inner axle shafts in the front of the Samurai are 22
spline. The upgraded axle shafts out there are 26 spline. No big problem if
you contact ARB USA and order a set of sidegears designed to fit in a rear
air locking differential. One word of
warning - to get this right you will need to know how to set the gears up
right after you are done. Here is how you get to the sidegears. |
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  Just
like a stock differential, you should to loosen the ring gear bolts first to
make things easier. Mark all the components where they meet. Then remove the
bearing caps. |
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  Remove
the ring bolts and then the ring. |
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  Flip
the diff over and remove the short end to reveal the first sidegear. |
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  Pulling
the gear shows just how small the stock shaft really is next to the new
gear. Make sure you use the right gear. One side is different from the
other. |
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  Here
you can see where the test shaft is way too big for the old gear. |
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  Drop
in the new gear and add the shim from the old gear. |
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  Replace
the short end and bolt the ring back on. |
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  Flipping
it back over you will notice bolt keepers on the heads of the retaining
bolts. Pry them off with a small flat tip and remove the bolts. Lifting the
cap will reveal the other sidegear. Again, you can see the difference. |
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  Put
the new gear into place, making sure you use the shim from the old gear. |
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 Replace
the cap and bolt it in place. ARB recommends that you use new bolts and
keepers. You can get them straight from ARB USA by calling their Tech line.
If you have ever abused an ARB, you know that it helps to have spare parts
on the shelf, so make friends and order what you need. |
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 After
reassembling the differential you can check the sidegears with the shaft
again. You won't want to get it all back together and then realize you mixed
up the gears.To complete this conversion you will need the ARB 26 spline sidegears, stretch bolts and keepers. ARB USA can be contacted for the correct parts by visiting www.arbusa.com or calling their tech line at 1-888-427-2872. |
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03/08/08 10:05:53
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