I'm completely disappointed with Randy's R&P tech line. I called and left a message Friday and no call back yet. I guess their customers aren't supposed to work weekends....

Anyway, I received my new Yukon R&P sets and have begun installation but I've hit a bit of a snag:

Knowing the rear bearing is a press fit and the shims are not a one size fits all I bought a new bearing and honed it out to the point of slipping on the pinion. This will allow easier shim changes; PROVIDED I can get the pinion back out. That's the snag. The front bearing is also a press fit. I thought it would be a slip fit as the old one was. If I press it on during setup and my shims aren't correct, how in the world do I get it off to make an adjustment. I don't want to beat the pinion with a mallet. That most likely would be a bad thing for the new race.

I checked the new pinion and bearing I have for the D44 and it's the same way. I doubt I have two pinions out of spec.

Any thoughts and/or experiance with this?

Also, there are two numbers scribed in the end of the pinion:
142
2.523

Anyone know their meaning?

Thanks

 

is this your first gear install? im sure you know this job is very complicated and probably left to a professional. have you tried to call them back. everyone i know that has delt with Randys has been positive

 

"everyone i know that has delt with Randys has been positive"
The salesman, Aaron was great to deal with. It the tech line I needed three days ago.

I was a machinist in my past days. I do all my own car/truck/boat work (other than auto tranys) so percision work of this kind is not above my abilities. Actually, I trust myself more than most of the "pros." It's my baby and I know I'll pay attention to the details such as this. I tried calling Randy's today before posting here and again only "Leave a message."

I've have honed out the old tail bearing to begin setting my backlash/pattern but will wait on final install until I know I'm supposed to press the new bearing on.

 

I've got a set of 'setup' bearings for most of the Dana 44/60 and 8.8 stuff. You'll never regret a set once you've got them.

The small number on the pinion is the depth measurement. It was put on there as the gear set was matched.

Good Luck!

Bob