front differential

[joking1]

I have a 1994 jeep cherokee laredo limited and the front differential is trashed, how do I overhaul/ rebuild it?

[Ray H]

Originally Posted by joking1

I have a 1994 jeep cherokee laredo limited and the front differential is trashed, how do I overhaul/ rebuild it?

I wonder exactly what is trashed about it, ie: ring and pinion, bearings, spider gears, axle shafts, etc.
That will decide what you need to do. If the whole thing is trashed or it needs new R&P installed, it would be more cost effective to put a whole front axle assembly from a junkyard in and be done with it. If you dont know how to set up gears, it cost minimum $250 labor and another $200 in parts to install new R&P. You can probably pick up a good used front axle assembly for less than $300.

[AlohaBra]

Unless it was wrecked or crashed, I would rebuild it. You only use it wihen in 4X4. Unless, you ran it forever with no oil in it, it cann't be really trashed huh?
I have rebuilt a lot of rear ends but never a front.

[Ray H]

Originally Posted by AlohaBra

I have rebuilt a lot of rear ends but never a front.

Front is the same as rear, the only difference is you have to remove the tierod and the front hubs to get the carrier in and out.
The only reason I say it would be better to just replace and axle if the R&P has gone south is that the initial tool investment for someone that doesnt already have them will cost more than the labor to pay someone to set up a R&P and if he is asking how hard it is to do. He probably doesnt have the tools or resources to do it.
I agree, and this is only speculation at this point, but barring running it without lube, the R&P are probably fine. Its most likely ujoints, bearings, seals or even spiders. Its not often that you see a trashed R&P, especially if its stock and in the front axle.

[Ray H]

Hey Joking1,
I just noticed you only live across the river from me.
Howdee neighbor!
Let me know what has happened, I will have a good set of stock 3.55 gears for that thing available in a couple months. If you can wait, you can have them.

[JJFURAY]

WHAT SPECIAL TOOLS ARE INVOLVED? gear and bearing pullers? jeff. ohio

[AlohaBra]

Yep..pullers for bearings...gears are bolted.
Use an automotive textbook for these. Only bad thing that can happen is noise.

[Ray H]

Originally Posted by JJFURAY

WHAT SPECIAL TOOLS ARE INVOLVED? gear and bearing pullers? jeff. ohio

Special tools needed to set up a ring and pinion would include, puller, press, in/lbs and ft/lbs torque wrenches, micrometer, dial gauge w/magnetic base, big pipe wrench, rubber mallet, assorted brass punches, references for torques, preload and backlash values.
Optional tools would include a case spreader, pinion depth tool, calculator, helper w/ beer.
Im sure theres more, thats just off the top of my head.