Dana 300 front output shaft

[2Greys]

Probably a silly question but should there be a little bit of play in the gears onthe front output shaft? I pressed on the new bearings and I can't get them to go on any tighter.
Want to make sure before I move on.
I am not talking end play, I am talking about a bit of space between the gear and the bearing and shoulder that it can wobble a bit. Both the hi and lo gears do this, I can't see how I could have mucked it up. I can take video if that helps.

 

[2Greys]

Video:

Sorry for the shakey cam. The second gear is more obvious as you can see the gap widen and shrink

 

[dwcjwerfner]

Hmmm, I am not sure. If you are not finding any answers I will open up the broken one here and check

 

[2Greys]

From JeepForum (yeah it ain't pirate but still):
"I would not sweat it, just normal slop."

To be honest I could see me screwing up one but both? I was using my 12 ton press and it was starting to lean which isn't saying much but when the instructions from the manufacturer says an arbor press should be enough to press on the gears. I don't think I could put any more pressure in.

 

[Kunker]

Just the front output, nothing like that on the rear side? My only concern then would be that you can't unlock the front so any wobble would be present when the gears are turning at highway speeds. If you could unlock the front axle, then I wouldn't sweat it at all.

My 2 cents, for what it's worth.

 

[2Greys]

Hadn't checked the rear shaft yet, will do when I get home. I wish I had noticed when I was taking it all apart. Funny thing is I can't find this mentioned anywhere.

 

[2Greys]

Think I may try to press them on more.

 

[2Greys]

Took a minte and checked and yes the rear has some play in it. I checked with a feeler gauge:
Rear output shaft 0.019
Front output shaft small gear: 0.015
Front output big gear: 0.014

Those are the maximum gaps

 

[2Greys]

Decided to try pressing the bearings on. Yeah the case cracked.

 

[chunkytrunks]

Decided to try pressing the bearings on. Yeah the case cracked.

Faaaaaaaaaaaawk

 

[2Greys]

That was pretty much what I said

 

[Kunker]

Time for a Replace-a-case?

 

[2Greys]

Hopefully not. Stupid things are longer than the stock case. Trying to minimize length. I have decided though that I will be getting the Novak billet inspection cover. It is supposed to be beefier than the stock one and also has more clearance. The big weakness is the huge inspection hole and if that cover helps make that section more rigid I think it is worth it.

 

[Kunker]

How are you dealing with the crack then? Another stock case? Weld it up?

 

[2Greys]

Sourcing a new case. At least with that I will have spare parts if I don't screw it up. The first time through was a definite learning experience and now know what to look for when doing it again.