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Just swapped in 4.10 to replace the stock 3.08 in the rear Ford 8.8. I would like to know if my after setup patterns are looking good. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated!
Here's my before tear down / setup pattern: Found the backlash was at .016, pinion shim at .029 and the stock ratio was 3.08
Here's my after setup with .090 backlash with the new Ford Racing 4.10 ring and pinion with a pinion shim of .025
Your coast/reverse pattern is a little low, BUT the drive side is a tad high. I'd leave it alone.
.090" backlash is way too much. I set mine between .004" and .008" for new gears. You should also check the pattern in four locations on the ring gear. 3, 6, 9 and 12 O'clock. Variation of backlash should be minimal between four locations with no tight spots.
Also, drive about 15 miles lightly and let the gears cool down. No pounding on them for 500 miles and change gear lube at 500 miles also. This will help create a good wear pattern and make them last.
Your coast/reverse pattern is a little low, BUT the drive side is a tad high. I'd leave it alone.
.090" backlash is way too much. I set mine between .004" and .008" for new gears. You should also check the pattern in four locations on the ring gear. 3, 6, 9 and 12 O'clock. Variation of backlash should be minimal between four locations with no tight spots.
Also, drive about 15 miles lightly and let the gears cool down. No pounding on them for 500 miles and change gear lube at 500 miles also. This will help create a good wear pattern and make them last.
I should be more careful with my decimal point I meant .009 of backlash
I should be more careful with my decimal point I meant .009 of backlash
Do you think my pattern is acceptable?
.009", that's much better!!
Pattern is about as good as it's going to get. Don't want to go any further to the edge of the gear. Did you check in four locations? If it was me, I would tighten up the backlash a couple more thou, but I think it'll live.
Originally Posted by Festus Hagen
I'm quite sure there were those that were choking on .090!
Pattern is about as good as it's going to get. Don't want to go any further to the edge of the gear. Did you check in four locations? If it was me, I would tighten up the backlash a couple more thou, but I think it'll live.
Yes, yes we were.
I looked over page 17 and it states the backlash should be .008 - .012. If I tighten it up wouldn't my pattern ride further to the heal?
With my drive being slightly high and my coast being slightly low should'nt I add to the pinion shim to go a little deeper into the ring gear...maybe .001 -.002? then readjust my backlash .008 - .012?
Before I try a new setup I'll take some backlash measure from 4 spots on the ring gear to see how much variation I might have...looking for very tight consistency. Also as you suggested I'll study the pinion gear pattern as well. Basically looking for similar pattern characteristics to the ring gear's?
I torqued the ring gear to 75 foot pounds and cap bolts - thoughts?
4 Shats and Giggles how many setups do you have under the belt?
Used? Hopefully not if the Ebay seller was honest "open box".
Could be just the photos ...
With new, you want the backlash on the tighter end of the range because as the new gears break in, transfer particles and loose some it will become too loose, the goal is to keep it in the range AFTER break in.
That is one reason you have to take it easy on new gears, don't heat them up with long runs etc ...
If you go deeper into the ring gear, your going to run your coast off the edge.
In my opinion it's pretty good where it's at!
Before I try a new setup I'll take some backlash measure from 4 spots on the ring gear to see how much variation I might have...looking for very tight consistency.
4 Shats and Giggles how many setups do you have under the belt?
I think the pattern looks very good. Favor the drive pattern over the coast side, as the drive side will be under load the vast majority of the time.
Definitely check the pattern and backlash at other spots, as suggested. If not good at all locations, unbolt the ring gear and rotate it a quarter turn or so relative to the carrier and try again. The mating surface of the carrier is going to have a few thousandths of runout. The ring gear probably will, too, although usually not as much, especially if new. The trick is to orient the high spot of the ring gear with the low spot of the carrier face. It's mostly trial and error, but when you get the runouts to offset each other, you get a much more even pattern all the way around. I do not care to discuss how I learned about this the hard way...
My experience: About a half dozen setups. All were on Dana axles, which are more work due to the shims on the carrier bearings, unlike the spiffy adjusters on the Ford drop-in third-member design.
I've done hundreds ... In race cars, I'm still not comfortable doing them for the road, race cars don't last long enough to worry about anything but wasted energy!
I have my street gears done by some one that I trust and does nothing but that!
Basically looking for similar pattern characteristics to the ring gear's?
I torqued the ring gear to 75 foot pounds and cap bolts - thoughts?
4 Shats and Giggles how many setups do you have under the belt?
It's hard to really see the pattern on the pinion, but it's always something i look at too.
I don't remember off hand the torque specs of the 8.8. Have to look them up.
Lost count of how many I've done years ago. Mostly street, street/strip vehicles, cars and trucks. Have done plenty of 7.5",8",8.8", and 9", oh, also the long lost 9 3/8"too.
Setting up gears takes a lot of patience, a good eye and an understanding of what each adjustment does and how it effects the gears. I've fought with gears for a couple of hours at times until i was happy with the patterns. Gets frustrating sometimes.
Setting up gears takes a lot of patience, a good eye and an understanding of what each adjustment does and how it effects the gears. I've fought with gears for a couple of hours at times until i was happy with the patterns. Gets frustrating sometimes.
Patience ... What's that!
Then all of a sudden you get one that just falls together perfect like way to easy and you ... wonder, It does get very frustrating!
Great info being passed along here for anyone who might be considering this mod or like myself waist deep in. This week I'll pass along my ring gear run out along with new some new patterns from 12, 3, 6, 9 o'clock.
Last night I did study the pinion gear pattern and it looked consistently well centered and following the length of each tooth. Once I tear all the parts out I'll photo this and share.
I appreciate the break-in recommendations:
- Gentle first 15 minute run....then let gears completely cool
- After first gentle 500 miles remove cover clean and replace with new clean oil
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