So I purchased a Ford racing 8.8 axle overhaul kit from summit a while ago and I need to replace my diff cover since it will never stop leaking. Was wondering how hard it is to change out some of the internal bearings and gaskets and other items in the diff housing. Any special tools needed? Grease besides the gear lube with l/s additive? I don't have much knowledge of it and would like to learn. I have the Ford parts repair book for my truck as well to help me along. Any help or info is appreciated. Thanks.

 

From when I overhauled mine, the "extra" tools needed were....

Bearing seperator
Press
Brass drifts
Bearing and seal drivers
dial indicator and mount
gear marking compound

That's what I can think of, that and hte fact you need to know the specs and the procedures.

 

Yeah, the fact that my Ford Parts manual has all the specs and diagrams for it. I'm going to read up on it and see how much these tools will run me. Thanks.

 

just rent them. it would be cheaper unles you plan on doin a lot of rear ends. it wont pay for itself imo

 

you will also need a beam style torque wrench to set pinion bearing preload and a larger ft lb torque wrench to torque main bearing caps etc