I just finished a long weekend of work on the truck, thought I'd share some pics. This is the first step in my re-gearing project <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> , installing a 4.77 3rd and a set of Darlington Drop Diff brackets.

Before:


After:







The install was a lot of work. There were times I sure would have appreciated a second set of hands. That axle gets heavy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mrt.gif" alt="" />. I pulled the rear driveshaft and took it for a spin in front wheel drive. The difference in the spedo was noticable, but I didn't really want to get on it too much :twisted: .

The drop diff kit was very well made. Everything went together nicely. And the tough part is done. The ARB install and re-gear in the rear is going to a professional.

Here's how the compressor install turned out


And the controls


I plan on doing a full writeup on the install when I get the chance. I would be able to do it in half the time if I had to do it again, but I don't think I ever want to <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

Wow, very neat. Those CV angles are very cool indeed. Cant wait to see it in action with the ARB.
-J <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

That would be an excellent addition to the site <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> IMHO, those drop diff brackets are highly underused relative to the benefits they provide. I have yet to understand why Joe is having such a poor sales numbers when so many people around here have 3"+ of lift <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> When compared to the cost and frustration changing out CV boots and/or axles a few times; he is practically giving them away. Maybe threads such as the one you have started here will get the ball rolling <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I completely agree! There really isn't alot of information about the install procedure, and it can be a bit intimidating. I hope a good writeup will increase the use of this product. It's a great design, and I'm thankfull to Joe for producing it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre

Yep, drop diff is awesome. Once you change out the cv's a couple times, it sounds even better. I really think that these help the strength of the axle when lifted also. The cv joint has the most strength when it is at no angle (no lift). The more you lift it, the more angle, the weaker it gets. So keeping that angle at a minimum is key to your axles surviving on large tires, I can testify to that.

The install is a lot of work, but its the same thing as changing out both cv's, so keep that in mind.

Andre, that Calmini crossmember looks real low to me. Did you try fitting it without the drop brackets?

No, I didn't. From my initial measurements, I figured I needed the drop brackets. I really need to do some adjustment. You used the stock cross member with out the drop brackets right? I've got a stock one I'll clearance if it means loosing the brackets.

Also, did you have to clearance the lower control arms? It looked like there was enough room to, very carefully, clearance it in place if it's a problem.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre

Andre,
you are becoming the regular mechanic/modifier <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
what's next?

I just can't seem to leave my truck alone <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I need a support group here man. I don't want to end up like you <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I actually just found a great deal on a used drill press and one of those small HF band saws. I'm going to pick them up this weekend. My shop is comming along nicely. Some skid plates and a front bumper will be next <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre

That diff drop looks good , maybe something I should consider.I want to have as little breakage on the trails as possible , thats why I will be putting in the tera lows eventualy , as soon as my much held up financing goes through <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" /> Also gonna be adding new torsion bars , going to 33" tires along with the engine swap.By the time I am done I will have 6" of lift , the tweaked 3.4 , tera lows , basicaly new suspension , steering stabilizer , etc.
As for rock sliders , I have some of the stuff I need to make them , but still need some more stuff before I start on those , and eventualy would like to make something to upgrade the front and rear bumpers , make them a little beefier.But all thats down the road.

How hard would you rate putting in the diff drop , compared to changing control arms , shocks and cranking torsion bars?Similar or much harder?

It's really not all that bad. It's just a long process because of everything you have to remove. I had to pull the centerlink and tie rod assebbly, both calipers, and separate both upper ball joints just to get to the axle part of it. The toughest part is after you have everything un-bolted, there is very little room to pull the passenger side CV and drop the diff. This is where the second person really comes in handy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mrt.gif" alt="" />. That thing is heavy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> Getting the bearings off and on the long side axle was a bit of a trick. Then getting everything back up into place and alligned took some doing. Once you have the axle down, swapping 3rd members takes no time at all.

I was taking a lot of breaks, but I figure I had about 8-10 hours of work into this. Some of that being staring and figurin' <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

I picked up an impact for this job, and I don't regret it. I got a high flow regulator, and ran it off my CO2 tank.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />Andre