Pinion Nut??
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
Pinion Nut??
OK how in the world do you get to the front of the diff to check the preload on the pinion nut on an 81?? I was under it today and saw no way to get to any of it because of the frame and tailpeice. I could see the u joint, but could not figure out how to get to it.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 589
Likes: 62
From: USA
I think you have to take the diff out of the car, and take the posi out of the diff housing. when you measure the pinion pre-load, you want to measure only the pre-load of the pinion gear with the pinion bearings and nothing else 'cept the pinion seal.
if you have the ring gear engaged 'cuz you still have the posi in the housing, then you're not going to get the right reading.
if you have the ring gear engaged 'cuz you still have the posi in the housing, then you're not going to get the right reading.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
I understand, but can't get to the rear u joint. And to answer someone else's question, it is whining a little, I want to be sure the nut is not loose (seen it) before I tear into it for a rebuild. I just can't get to the stinkin rear u joint .....:O(
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio TX
You get to the nuts for the driveshaft by using a long extension and going over the crossmember/differential support. Once you have the shaft out, you use the same technique to get to the pinion nut. If the nut is loose, you'll make some progress -maybe- but if the nut's not loose, then you are at a dead end. If the diff whines when you lift off the throttle, it's likely the bearing spacer needs to be replaced. It's not all that uncommon.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
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