I have an 87 full size Bronco and the pinion nut I believe has loosened. There's no noise coming from the differential but I was checking the u-joints and noticed that I can move the yoke on the differential over an 1/8th of an inch up and down and left and right. I presume the pinion nut backed off over time and allowed this slop (worn bearings?). My question is, can I tighten up the pinion bolt without messing up the pinion and ring clearances? I also had a quote for a rebuild without a new ring and pinion for about $375, which includes all new bearings. If I needed a new ring and pinion it would run another $250. Seems kind of expensive, but he says he uses the best parts because the cheaper ring and pinions whine. I also found a whole used rear axel/differential with the correct gear ratio from a 1990 Bronco for $200 that they'll warranty for 30 days. Any suggestions as to what I should do? I have the "19" code under AXLE on my door jam which I think is the 3.55, can anyone confirm this? Thanks.

 

On my '96 code 19 is a 3.55 ratio. Check the tag on the rear end cover that will tell you the gear ratio. That doesn't sound too bad 30 day warranty for $200.

Warr

 

Check the pinion bearings on the used part and go with it. The guys at the salvage yards can read the tags and codes.

 

rebuilding a rearend around here costs about $400 + gears if they are needed.
What does this shop concider and install as "the best"? If its a good name $250 after shop markup is in the ballpark.

alot of places use yukon gear, not a bad gear set.

 

What are you plans for this rig. if your looken at running larger tires and lifting it then i say get the rebuild along with 4.11 for 33" tires or 4.56 for 35" tires . then your halfway done with your gear swap just the front would be left. Just a thought so you dont end up spending money to have this done again in a year or two when you decide to go bigger.

late

 

if you change the pinion seal they remove the nut pop out the seal and install a new one. i believe there is a crush sleeve that should be replaced if the pinion nut is removed and reinstalled. i guess what im saying is go ahead and tighten it up just dont over tighten it and you should be o k.

 

i believe 120 flbs is the correct torque

 

when i broke my 8.8 i wanted a rebuild(ring and pinion) until they told me the price $800 parts and labor he was to saying i only use the best also, So i told him i would just do it myself and get one from a junkyard. So he call the junkyard and they would sell it to him for $125 and a year warranty and they would sell it to me for $200 and a 30 day warranty so i let him do it. well almost one year later i ran into your problem the pinion yoke had alot of play so i replace the outer bearing then the pinion seal, no luck i had to get the rearend replace under warranty because the inner pinion bearing was bad now six months later,one of the carrier bearings went through my ring and pinion, I am feed up with the 8.8 and going to install a 10.25 here soon.

 

you can install a 9". thats what i did because of my 8/8 crapping out

 

Thanks Kemical but i plan on going big and want the added strength