Installing an Eaton TrueTrac differential

[ManyFacesofSchwinn]

I'm finally back on the 1981 Scrambler restore project. I almost have the chassis done, except for installing the new Eaton TrueTrac differential.

I need some schooling on haw to install and adjust the differential and pinion, along with installing the solid axles I bought. If you know of any videos I could watch I would greatly appreciate any tips. Thank you. I'm exited to finally get back at it. Barry

 

[wm69]

Well I have the exact same thing I need to do. I've had a truetrac since Jeepsunlimited was still a forum, got it from a member there. Also have some Foote 1 piece axles to go in. I've obviously put it off for YEARS, but will be watching this for input.

 

[ManyFacesofSchwinn]

It's been years for me also. I got to this point and just stopped. Good luck with your project. Barry

 

[bigwalton]

I'm finally back on the 1981 Scrambler restore project. I almost have the chassis done, except for installing the new Eaton TrueTrac differential.

I need some schooling on haw to install and adjust the differential and pinion, along with installing the solid axles I bought. If you know of any videos I could watch I would greatly appreciate any tips. Thank you. I'm exited to finally get back at it. Barry

Have you set gears before and have a case spreader, setup bearings, micrometers/mounts/etc?

This isn't a DIY job if not IMO. I've paid multiple times to have full lockers and gears installed and done basically everything else on my Jeep myself. If it's done wrong, you're looking at redoing it all and potentially disastrous gear failure while driving.

The only way I would suggest this is if you have a friend who knows how to do this with all the right tools/equipment and you work through it with them.

Just my

 

[ManyFacesofSchwinn]

Have you set gears before and have a case spreader, setup bearings, micrometers/mounts/etc?

This isn't a DIY job if not IMO. I've paid multiple times to have full lockers and gears installed and done basically everything else on my Jeep myself. If it's done wrong, you're looking at redoing it all and potentially disastrous gear failure while driving.

The only way I would suggest this is if you have a friend who knows how to do this with all the right tools/equipment and you work through it with them.

Just my

I have the micrometers and dial indicator. I bought the supplies to make a spreader tool. I made my old bearings have a slip fit to use as set up bearings. That's as far as I got.

How much did you pay to have the job done? Thank you. Barry

 

[GreatCJ8]

Well I have the exact same thing I need to do. I've had a truetrac since Jeepsunlimited was still a forum, got it from a member there. Also have some Foote 1 piece axles to go in. I've obviously put it off for YEARS, but will be watching this for input.

Man do I miss the CJ tech forum! I wish.. wait, going to go check the waybackmachine to see if any was indexed! So much info in there

 

[ag4ever]

Man do I miss the CJ tech forum! I wish.. wait, going to go check the waybackmachine to see if any was indexed! So much info in there

I’ve tried doing that, but much of the good info was not indexed. They way the site worked made it look like it was behind a pay wall.

 

[ManyFacesofSchwinn]

Thank you for the information. Now I don't know if I want to try doing it myself or pay someone to do it. Barry

 

[CJ7Pilot]

It can be intimidating, but personally, I found it to be a rewarding project.
It's not that difficult, but it can be tedious. Just take your time, and re-shim as many times as it takes to get the right pattern.
Really, the only way to screw it up is to settle for "good enough," instead of sticking with it, and getting it "just right."
As you've probably discovered, there's a ton of information on the internet about how to set up gears.
I'd say roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and have fun!

 

[ManyFacesofSchwinn]

It can be intimidating, but personally, I found it to be a rewarding project.
It's not that difficult, but it can be tedious. Just take your time, and re-shim as many times as it takes to get the right pattern.
Really, the only way to screw it up is to settle for "good enough," instead of sticking with it, and getting it "just right."
As you've probably discovered, there's a ton of information on the internet about how to set up gears.
I'd say roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and have fun!

Thank you for the encouragement. I think I'm going to try it. I've been a mechanic for nearly 45 years. I think I can do a pretty good job. So far I've done all the work on my Scrambler. I'd like to be able to say I restored my Jeep. Thanks again. Barry

 

[bigwalton]

You sound ideal to do it, most folks who ask have zero clue what it takes and thinks it like putting in a lunchbox locker.

 

[ManyFacesofSchwinn]

You sound ideal to do it, most folks who ask have zero clue what it takes and thinks it like putting in a lunchbox locker.

Thank you. I ordered a pinion depth testing kit today. It has the dial indicator and other stuff needed to measure the depth. I did put the pinion in today using the original shim. As soon as the kit comes in I'm ready to go. Thanks again. Barry

 

[wm69]

Post lots of pics please!

 

[ManyFacesofSchwinn]

I think I have the pinion where it needs to be. This weekend I'm going to move on to installing the Eaton differential. Last week I also adjusted the thickness of the single axle spacers and I'm ready to put them in. I'm getting excited. I almost have a rolling chassis. I'll post some photos later.

 

[FLCJ8]

Coming along nicely.

One thing you may look at while your back there... if you rotate the brake line tee fitting (and remount on a angle bracket) you will gain more droop and avoid a kink in the flex line.

 

[ManyFacesofSchwinn]

Coming along nicely.

One thing you may look at while your back there... if you rotate the brake line tee fitting (and remount on a angle bracket) you will gain more droop and avoid a kink in the flex line.

View attachment 119349

Thank you for the tip. Barry