removing front carrier to replace gasket

[Builtlikeatank634X4]

Almost did a stupid thing
With my axles out is it possible to remove the front carrier without having to disassemble the entire differential from the rear cover ?

I just need the wiggle it out far enough to put a new gasket or squirt some silicone RTV to stop any leaks that might happen when I fill it with gear oil .. I'm not a professional mechanic and the rear end is a complicated piece of machinery and I've come this far that I would hate to f%#k it up ... I'm so close

[Captainfab]

On your Eaton Ho32/33, with the axles removed, the entire 3rd member will drop out the front of the housing. You may need to persuade it a little as the gasket may have it stuck to the housing. I would just install the correct gasket.

[Builtlikeatank634X4]

Well I pulled 3rd member and got a gasket .. The gasket is paper thin .. The cover gasket is more like a gasket .. Being that thin will it even be effective ? .. Seems the slightest imperfection in the mating surfaces will cause a leak .. Is there anything I should be looking for before I install everything ?

[jtrichard]

Thats how they are made should be fine Unless housing is bent

[Captainfab]

If I remember correctly, the rear cover gasket will work for the third member gasket also.

[Builtlikeatank634X4]

I was wondering about that but thought maybe that couple of thousandths of an inch is what will prevent my ring and pinion from chipping up teeth and exploding .. Lol

There does seem to be some play between the ring and pinion .. Not like a loose yolk .. But more like some extra distance in the gear mating surface .. Like steering wheel play .. Almost a 1/4 of a turn

[Captainfab]

A slightly thicker gasket will in no way affect the ring and pinion. All the thicker gasket will do is move the third member very slightly forward. The axles should slide in with no problem. I have used the thicker gasket many years ago without issue. The backlash in your ring and pinion does sound excessive if it is 1/4 turn.

[Builtlikeatank634X4]

Gaskets are on and rear end is is one piece .. Woo hoo .. If .. God forbid .. The seal behind the yolk .. Can it be replaced without having to remove the 3rd member ? .. Is the ring and pinion connection solid enough to hold the pinion in place to replace the seal ??

Nothing is leaking right now but that is pretty much the only seal I haven't replaced

[61K10]

if it's not leaking leave it alone. like capt said the back-lash is a little loose. I would leave it alone also. gears are already set (worn in) I reset mine and all it did is make it noisy. I haven't ever seen one with many miles on it that wasn't at least a little out of spec.

[Builtlikeatank634X4]

I'm down with that .. Hell I'm 50 and a lot of my parts are best left alone as well .. Lol .. Now I'm going to go into the motor a little bit more .. Plugs , plug wires , cap and rotor .. I might have to pull the trans. I think it would be a good idea to have it rebuilt .. Nothing says login like a fresh transmission .. Lol .. Also some body part issues need handled before the rains come

Thanks guys

[61K10]

hay built--my daughter lives in Redlands, might be down there in a few months--maybe we can kook up as you are close.

[Builtlikeatank634X4]

Hit me up .. Few months or less and I should be road worthy