JDWalton

In case you havent heard of this yet, stick the new pinion in the freezer tonight, then when your going to put the new bearing on tommorow, stick the bearing in boiling water for like 3 minutes. The bearing should drop onto the pinion without a press.

brunobluto

Yes good advice. Also, do yourself a favor and get a spare pinion bearing and ream out the center with a file so it will slip onto the pinion shaft without force. It will come in handy when you are setting the pinion depth. You most likely wont get it right the first try and will have to remove the bearing several times to swap out shims. Then when you finally get it right, press on the permanant bearing.

Red_Stallion

Freezer / boiling and using the old bearing and reaming it are both great tips! Thanks guys!!!

supared

I know this is an old thread but these are some good tips. I did hear/read about freezing the new pinion and heating up the bearings. I think I will put my bearings in the oven though on about 400 degrees to be sure it slips on easy.

So what was really helpful?

I have removed and rebuilt my [stock Traction-Lok] differential with a FRPP carbon fiber clutch pack, and put the 3.73 ring gear on. I also replaced the axle bearings, and still have to get the old pinion out. Mine feels like it is welded in also. I first thought I was missing something maybe on the 08, but the driveshaft, pinion nut, and flange are all off. I guess it is just a good press fit with the crush washer. Now I know I am not missing anything and just need to be persistent to get it off.