So a little backstory, i ripped the u joint off the rear end of my truck backing into my driveway a week ago and finally got around to fixing it. I crawl under and find that one of the bolts is sheared off in the yolk still. I was going to drill it out but upon doing so, a big chunk of the yolk flew off so im pretty well out of options here.

So heres my question. If i remove the nut holding the yolk in place, will it affect the placement of the pinion and mess up my gearing?

 

You'll have to find the torque spec for the rear that you have.As long as you retorque the new yoke you should be fine.DO NOT overtorque it.Over torque it and you change the contact pattern between the ring and pinion.I replaced a yoke on a nine inch for one with a more common ujoint cross size and I've had no problems since(about 15000 miles ago).

 

Ok thank you very much!
Its an 89 sterling 10.25 if anyone knows the spec for that

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ml#post8601255


You need to get yourself an inch-pound torque wrench to measure the pre-tension. I am about to go through this next weekend, so I'll let you know how it goes.

 

Ok thank you. I might have mine put together by tomorrow

 

The correct way to do this job is to also replace the crush collar then start from scratch with the pinion preload, which is measured with the axles removed.

The cheap and dirty method is to mark the pinion nut, remove it, remove the old yoke, install the new yoke, reinstall the pinion nut then tighten it back down to the mark you made previously.

I have done it both ways over the years with success over the long term using either methodology. Your mileage may vary.

 

Well if the dirty method works, im all for it. Worse case scenario, i replace this rear end with the one from my parts truck and swap back to 4.11 gears. Lol

 

Here are some videos that helped me understand the methods used. Maybe they'll give you a better idea of what's involved.

Dana 44 pinion preload - YouTube

Setting pinion bearing preload on the Ford 8.8" axle - YouTube

How To Install Replace Rear Axle Differential Pinion Seal 1AAuto.com - YouTube

There's always the right way and the cheap way I'm with you... if it works then go with it.

 

Well i went and retrieved the new yolk, just to clarify for future readers, there are more than 1 depth of yolk for the sterling 10.25...little did i know...

 

Measure the pre-load (in inch pounds of torque using a dial or beam-type torque wrench) by spinning the pinion with the torque wrench before taking anything apart (leave the axles in place too) and duplicate the torque reading with a new crush collar, new yoke, and new nut when you put it back together.