Is there a difference between differential overhaul kits?

[williambmac]

I'm going to be tearing down my Dana 44's and regearing them to 5.38 over the winter. I'm going to go with Revolution gear but they only have the gears available at this time, no gear packages.
Looking around I can find install kits with Koyo bearings, but everything with Timken bearings is out of stock.
I also notice the Timken kits are a bit more expensive. Is there really a defference between the two brands?

 

[Irun]

I just picked up a Dana 30 Master install kit, from Amazon, and the Timken Bearings are made in USA. It looks like they have kits for the Rubi 44s

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078UBGPS/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[williambmac]

I just picked up a Dana 30 Master install kit, from Amazon, and the Timken Bearings are made in USA. It looks like they have kits for the Rubi 44s

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078UBGPS/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Unfortunately the cost is 270.00 per axle. Thats more than the gears themselves.

 

[Irun]

Unfortunately the cost is 270.00 per axle. Thats more than the gears themselves.

Crap, I thought that was for both!

Edit: I just checked and the Dana 30 kit was $140. $270 per axle is crazy for a 44, but that seems to be the world we live in now.

 

[NWPA Jeepy T]

Also a good option

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-126957-dana-44-rear-master-install-kit-30-spline.html

 

[pc1p]

Most Timken bearings that I've seen and installed the past 2 years were not USA made, so just keep that in mind if you're specifically looking for "USA made".

I have had zero issues with Koyo or SKF bearings. Koyo has actually become my preferred bearing since I've seen a handful of various Timken markings lately, suggesting they're moving production around to various locations (which causes me to think twice about it).

I've used the USA Standard Gear MIKs for a few people's builds, including @DaleW Dana 44 without any issue: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078U8QY2/?tag=wranglerorg-20

The shim kits that come in every MIK kit I've bought or used in the past 2 years have been quite lacking. You may want to pickup an additional shim kit just in case.

 

[williambmac]

Crap, I thought that was for both!

Edit: I just checked and the Dana 30 kit was $140. $270 per axle is crazy for a 44, but that seems to be the world we live in now.

I haven't forgot about the Dana 30 shims. I haven't had a chance to stop at my parents yet.

 

[Irun]

Most Timken bearings that I've seen and installed the past 2 years were not USA made, so just keep that in mind if you're specifically looking for "USA made".

I have had zero issues with Koyo or SKF bearings. Koyo has actually become my preferred bearing since I've seen a handful of various Timken markings lately, suggesting they're moving production around to various locations (which causes me to think twice about it).

I've used the USA Standard Gear MIKs for a few people's builds, including @DaleW Dana 44 without any issue: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078U8QY2/?tag=wranglerorg-20

The shim kits that come in every MIK kit I've bought or used in the past 2 years have been quite lacking. You may want to pickup an additional shim kit just in case.

I know the 44 uses a thick gear, but what's the difference in the Rubi 44 Master kit?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078U8U7K/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[williambmac]

I know the 44 uses a thick gear, but what's the difference in the Rubi 44 Master kit?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078U8U7K/?tag=wranglerorg-20

uses different style carrier bearings

 

[Irun]

uses different style carrier bearings

They're showing 2 in stock then, at $166 ea. They say Koyo bearing, but back when I built FJ40s and 60s, Koyo was a go to bearing, per @pc1p comment

 

[williambmac]

They're showing 2 in stock then, at $166 ea. They say Koyo bearing, but back when I built FJ40s and 60s, Koyo was a go to bearing, per @pc1p comment

I would gladly trade my lj for an fj40. That was my favorite vehicle.

 

[Irun]

I would gladly trade my lj for an fj40. That was my favorite vehicle.

They were built like tanks and required almost no upgrades. The only issue I ever had was with the birfields. Other than that, those things were nearly indestructible!

 

[hosejockey61]

Koyo bearings are absolutely fine. I use them frequently. I regard them as equal to Timken.

 

[williambmac]

They were built like tanks and required almost no upgrades. The only issue I ever had was with the birfields. Other than that, those things were nearly indestructible!

My 74 FJ40 was built quite well. 6" lift, 36" swampers and a healthy small block.
I would occasionally blow a rear driveshaft but that was it. The drivetrain was indestructible.
I did have stock in Manafre, Downey Offroad and advanced adapters back then.
Good times back then.

I did have a 77 FJ40 that I purchased from a guy in Texas. It had 40" Ground hogs, the stock 6 cylinder and chevy power steering.
It was spotless when I got it, but started rusting really bad after about a year. I swear they used a different metal on the body, you could hear it rotting.

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

Timpken bearings just aren't what they used to be, go with the SKF, Toyo or even National.