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Old Nov 3, 2025 | 11:47 PM
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Sterling gear pattern read...

Hey Guys... Sterling differential with Nitro Gear 5.38's. I used Fords backlash spec (.008-.015) and set at .011 and currently running this pattern, but I notice a faint whine around 50 mph and now thinking the pinion might be a little deep??? Also (after the install) I'm reading that this gear set may be better at .008 backlash? Thoughts....





 

Last edited by HRDROKN; Nov 3, 2025 at 11:50 PM.
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Old Nov 4, 2025 | 06:01 AM
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How many miles since you installed and hearing the whine?

It does look a little off center on the back side of the gears, but it's hard to tell with the pictures.
 
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Old Nov 4, 2025 | 07:14 PM
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Less than 40 miles...
 
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Old Nov 4, 2025 | 07:56 PM
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Maybe a little, but not enough that I would think it would be problematic. Is the whine only on power or both coast and power? Are both the ring and pinion new and were they bought as a matched set?
 
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Old Nov 4, 2025 | 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Crazy Dirt
Maybe a little, but not enough that I would think it would be problematic. Is the whine only on power or both coast and power? Are both the ring and pinion new and were they bought as a matched set?
Only on acceleration approaching about 50-55 mph.. Coast is quiet. New gear set (Nitro Gear) purchased from East Coast Gear Supply.

 
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Old Nov 5, 2025 | 06:23 AM
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IMO, I would pull the back cover and make sure backlash and depth are set to the gear manufacturer's spec.

Also, have you called the Nitro Gear tech line and talked with them?
 
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Old Nov 5, 2025 | 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by 2015 F-350
IMO, I would pull the back cover and make sure backlash and depth are set to the gear manufacturer's spec.

Also, have you called the Nitro Gear tech line and talked with them?
I agree.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2025 | 06:20 PM
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past experience i have found the much lower gear ratios tend to have some whine , ever hear a school bus driving past? those sound like a quick change, pattern wise it looks right where it should be,
 
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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 03:44 AM
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I sent a message to East Coast Gear Supply to get their thoughts on it... a lot of the internet opinion seems to agree that 5.38's are going to whine a bit.

.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2025 | 06:42 AM
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Please keep us updated on what you find out.
 
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Old Nov 25, 2025 | 07:25 PM
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As expected Nitro gear specs the lash to .006 to .008 (I guess it was scribed on ring gear)... those that I spoke with seemed to be of the opinion that since I've run it, it is likely to want to wine either way. So paused on doing anything about that at the moment. I needed to get my drive line vibration corrected and decided to add a 1400 series double cardan to the rear shaft and eliminate all the shim mess on carrier bearing. Drive line service in Sacramento built me a real nice two piece shaft with a 24 hour turnaround! Installed the shaft, test drove and now I'm having trouble detecting any wine at all now? And no more vibration!


 
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