Diff Bearing Set-Up Tip.

Differential set-up quick tip!

Don't throw away those old carrier and pinion bearings! Clean them up, then open up the inside with a Dremel tool. Go slow and use a pinion and carrier for test fitting. The goal is to slowly open up the bearing so it slips onto (with a little friction) the pinion and the carrier.

Now, when your setting up that next ring and pinion - you'll have a set of bearings to use that will make swapping out those shims for backlash and gear mesh easy as can be! No more... [Read More]

Dana 20 Rebuild.

The Dana 20 transfer case is a very strong piece of equipment, but most are getting pretty old by now and may be in need of a tear down, inspection and a rebuild. These are the steps and little pointers I have followed and developed over the years. I hope this helps a few of you out when you need to get that old Dana 20 as good as new again!

During this rebuild I tried to stay away from specialized tooling as much as possible, or if I used it - I always used basic hand tools first. You do no... [Read More]

Easy Way to Remove a Yoke Nut.

At one time or another - most of us will get to the point where we have to remove the yoke from a differential or transmission. It's pretty easy to break the nut loose if the trans can be put in gear or if the differential is still in the vehicle.

What do you do if you don't have an air wrench available and you have no way of locking that yoke from turning? A quick and simple solution is to put one of your u-bolts back on, slide in a jack handle from a floor jack, snug the nuts holding the bo... [Read More]

Remove that tie rod.

Hopefully all of know that the proper way to remove a tie rod end id with a pickle for, but one isn't always available.

If you have to remove that end and all you have is a hammer, most of the time you can get it loose by hitting the rod squarely on the threaded end. To preserve the threads on the tie rod end, take the crown nut and flip it over, then screw it back on to the end so it is just above the threads. That way when you strike the end, the nut absorbs the impact and doesn't deform th... [Read More]

Quick Alternator Test.

Ever been stuck with a dead battery and you have nothing to check that alternator with to see if it is charging?

Of course a portable meter is what you need but not all of us carry a volt meter with us where ever we go...

Here is an easy check and all you need is a screw driver or even a small piece of metal just a few inches long.

While the vehicle is running, place the screwdriver against the rear alternator bearing cap (be very careful of the fan and any moving parts) an... [Read More]

Remove those old stubborn factory shackle bushings.

I found myself in the same predicament that many early CJ owners find them selves in. How do I remove the factory type steel sleeve shackle bushings from the frame perches if they are somewhat welded to the frame from years of use?

What you will need is a hack saw and a fine pitch blade.



Some assorted cold chisels and some thing to beat on them with.

... [Read More]