Hello all, since this rear end is turning out to be a life long project I figured I would just check in. The actual work isn't hard as long as I have FTE friends to answer questions as they come up but it seems as if I need a new tool or small part at every turn. Example I had to reinforce my whole work bench to withstand the torque levels it required, my old vice set up just pulled the boards rite up, so that took a day or two to address. That out of the way, now I achieved the rotational torque I was after on the pinion assembly, but then I realized I needed a torque wrench that will meet and exceed 175 ft lbs to continue. So I ordered one that will be here in a week(a 25 to 250 1/2"). Then I will be able to remove the old pinion nut to install the oil slinger, oil seal, and torque to speck 175 lbs min. Hopefully I don't have a groove in the pinion yoke, or Ill need to get another one from Summit which is pretty quick on the west coast delivery's . I also ordered a Ratech pinion depth tool as my luck with the depth micrometer I ordered didn't work out to well with my shaky hands. LOL. Then I'm thinking the drive shaft will need to be lengthened, but that's down the road hey? Ive spent a lot more $ than expected but a lot of that is just in experience, and being a perfectionist, or Id like to think so anyway .I'm having fun but didn't want you guys to think I gave up, that's not in my nature. I better go B4 this times out on me again, so take care my friends and enjoy each day, they are each a blessing.

 

Jim,
I don't use a pinion depth gauge. Nominal shim thickness for the 9" is .020. Assemble with a .020 shim, check pattern for pinion depth on ring gear and add/subtract shim thickness until pinon depth is correct. Usually only take a few time to be right on.

 

Thank you Dave, I think that was going to be my original course of action. Then after reading 15 different ways , from 15 different sources (books the net, u-tube), I guess I lost my way

 

Glad you're making progress and learning along the way.

Keep after it Jim, you'll get 'er done in no time

Bobby

 

Hang in there Jim - It's all fun in the end