I have a used posi carrier I'd like to swap in for my open carrier. It has the bearings on it and they are in good shape since it is a low mile carrier. I want to know if anyone ever reused the bearing races for a carrier? I did it for a beater a while back but that is the only experience I have on the topic. And don't just give me one word answers like "no". and yes, I did search. I only found people suggesting replacing them if the bearings are being replaced.

 

You can, but if you're not going replace the bearing, I would at least use new races. For a stock application I don't see there being an issue, but if the races have dent marks on them or look like they have been eaten away, replace them. You will still need to check backspacing and contact pattern, however, if you're swaping carriers.

Is it the same series carrier?

 

Same series, using same gears. I read the article on how to change carriers. It seems exactly like what I did last time. I know I will have to check the backlash and can do that.

Anyone have part numbers for the races?

 

It's best to replace the bearings and races. You are not suppose to use bearings and races that were not broke in together. It might work, and then again you might be replacing them in a few months. It's a chance that you take.

 

basically. You at least have to put new races in there and chance that. I think you will be okay.

 

I will put my two cents in on this one . This comes from personal experience. When I did the gears in my wifes new JK Rubicon it had about 5,000 miles on it. The bearings looked new of course so I opted to just get a shim kit and slap new gears in both axles (dana 44's). I broke in the new gears and swapped to AMSOIL full syn at 500 mi. We drove to Texas for the 4th last year after putting about 800mi around town and we pulled a boat back with us (about 300 miles one way). On the way home the rear end started making a bad noise (could tell it was a bearing by the sound) and upon inspection it had wiped out the rear pinion bearing (pitting every other bearing) requiring me to purchase all new bearings and build the rear axle again. I will not use old bearings on an axle build ever again.

Moral of the story, do it right the first time and dont cut corners to save a buck.