Well I have had the hubs on for a little while now, but today I decided to finish the install with the spool in the transfer case.
Let me just say that while it is possible to install this kit with the transfer case in the vehicle, it was very tight getting my hands up in there and I got an ab and neck workout that about gave me a hernia. I called a few weeks ago and talk to Slee who said it was easier if the case was out. Suffice it to say I just took the ignorant approach. So after 6 hours and some bloody knuckles I was able to get it finished.
A couple of notes for those looking to do this change: you will need some type of puller to change the bearing from the old spool to the new spool. The shims that adjust the pre-load for the idler shaft and output shaft are harder to install with the case in than if the case was out and with the front side down.
I will post up mpg results shortly. My initial impression is that I really like the torquie feeling from the rear (also no clunk) and the steering is much lighter.
Let me just say that while it is possible to install this kit with the transfer case in the vehicle, it was very tight getting my hands up in there and I got an ab and neck workout that about gave me a hernia. I called a few weeks ago and talk to Slee who said it was easier if the case was out. Suffice it to say I just took the ignorant approach. So after 6 hours and some bloody knuckles I was able to get it finished.
A couple of notes for those looking to do this change: you will need some type of puller to change the bearing from the old spool to the new spool. The shims that adjust the pre-load for the idler shaft and output shaft are harder to install with the case in than if the case was out and with the front side down.
I will post up mpg results shortly. My initial impression is that I really like the torquie feeling from the rear (also no clunk) and the steering is much lighter.