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Author Topic: Cost effective Dana 44 rebuild shop?  (Read 1239 times)

Offline j2sax

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Cost effective Dana 44 rebuild shop?
« on: 11/ 8/07 - 03:28AM »
OK, so I have a bunch of Wagoneers and the one that is most roadworthy has a nasty roar out of the rear.  Changed broken trans mount, rear driveshaft ujoint lubed everything up.  Kind of a low "wump, wump" at low speeds (sounds like tire out of round) but right around 50 MPH sudden vibration in floors and moan from rear.  (should this be in tech section?)

Anyway, when I wag the tail some at that speed, the noise got dramtically less when the psngr side was unloaded.  I though it was the axle bearing on that side so I changed it and it still sounds the same.  I am pretty sure it is not the pinion bearings as there is no dramatic change whether under load or not. 

That leaves the carriers... no fun!  From engine builds to hack welding, I will do most everything else myself, but setting up gears is one thing I will farm out! 

So here is the question- who would allow me to bring the vehicle or the rear to them and replace the carrier/pinion bearings, inner seals, etc... that does decent work for a decent price in a timely manner?  Then again, if I am going to yank the rear, maybe I should just pop in another rear with the same ratio from my field of choices... of course, that is pulling TWO rears!  I live near Ozark and recently discovered the "DiffMan" here in town, but I like recommendations!

Your experienced input is appreciated!

Jesse

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Jesse, Near Sparta, MO FSJ/AMC Freak<br />Wag w/ 6" lift 360/727/229 (208 soon) <br />2 J10s, 2 J20s, 4 Door J20 Project, Lots of Wags<br />73 Commando on Wag Frame, 79 AMX, Several Eagles

Offline YJ_Aaron

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Re: Cost effective Dana 44 rebuild shop?
« Reply #1 on: 11/ 8/07 - 10:28AM »
If I were paying a shop to rebuild a rear end my personal choice is either Johns 4x4 in Billings or Safari Off-Road.  They've both done me right in the past.

Johns:  417-744-2721

Safari:  417-724-0402
« Last Edit: 11/ 8/07 - 10:31AM by YJ_Aaron »
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Offline LoneWolf

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Re: Cost effective Dana 44 rebuild shop?
« Reply #2 on: 11/ 8/07 - 10:30AM »
try John's 4x4 in Billings. They got a great price on gear set-ups... mines going out to them this weekend to replace some gears that were trashed from a pinion nut coming loose. Ask for Brandon, tell him I sent ya.  8)
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Offline highsociety

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Re: Cost effective Dana 44 rebuild shop?
« Reply #3 on: 11/ 8/07 - 11:43AM »
Johns 4x4 in Billings or S&S automotive in CLever. Both have done work for me and either one will do you right just depends on who has the time to do it the quickest. 
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Offline j2sax

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Can't get there from here! (John's in Billings)
« Reply #4 on: 11/14/07 - 02:30AM »
So John's really offered to do me right (thanks for the tip whitehead) and I am excited to get the Wag out there. 

My problem is I sold my pickup and nothing else I have can tow the Wag to John's.  I am afraid if I drive it wil damage the gears and the moan will never go away.  So, we just got AAA and I thought, "Eureka! I will have them tow it over"

SO I make all the arrangements and they tell me, "We don't tow non-licensed rigs"  Thanks!

SO I spend all day today getting it legal... insurance, inspection, Tags... the works.  I call and they take all the info and say, OK so that will be free for the first THREE MILES and $3/mi after that... WHAT?! 

Oh, you need to upgrade to get 100 Miles towing.  Fine, upgrade me... yes sir, we have charged your card and you are upgraded.  Great, when can I get a truck here, I am late leaving for St Louis where I will be working all week. 

"Oh no sir, you cannot use your upgrade for SEVEN DAYS"  NYARGHHHHHHHH!  Said I!

Then I tok a deep breath and headed for ST L... too late to call John's.  Oh, did I mention our HIgh Speed and Cable went out today too?  Monday came a day late!

BUt hey, I still live in the greatest place on the planet where I can still drive my V8 rig to the trail and kick up some dirt with the family and everyone is healthy... can't ask for much more than that! 

Have a better week than me... please!

Jesse
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Jesse, Near Sparta, MO FSJ/AMC Freak<br />Wag w/ 6" lift 360/727/229 (208 soon) <br />2 J10s, 2 J20s, 4 Door J20 Project, Lots of Wags<br />73 Commando on Wag Frame, 79 AMX, Several Eagles

Offline LoneWolf

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Re: Cost effective Dana 44 rebuild shop?
« Reply #5 on: 11/14/07 - 03:59PM »
ha. man what an ordeal. If I had a truck and trailer; I'd tow it for you. You might ask what the shop would charge to come and get it. ?
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EVERY NORMAL MAN MUST BE TEMPTED AT TIMES TO SPIT ON HIS HANDS, HOIST THE BLACK FLAG, AND BEGIN SLITTING THROATS.

Offline soilman

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Re: Cost effective Dana 44 rebuild shop?
« Reply #6 on: 11/15/07 - 08:30AM »
Yes Kudos goes out to Johns 4x4 and MORE :D  I took on a odd duck with my Jeepster but hey thats me :D  The front hubs were shot and the lever for the transfer case was broke.  Parts that are just not so easy to find.  Well went to Johns he took me out to his Parts paradise and we found just what we were needing.  in great shape and at a price that was by far cheaper than any where online or in town.  If you could even find it.  the guy thats fixing my Carb called someone to find the parts and you know where he called to get them?  Johns.  and then charge the guy would buy them from John's and charge the shop double for the parts.  But, if you need work I always end up going back to John's.  It just good busniess
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