14bff carrier set up clarification (gear pattern added)

[nutt7]

So I'm putting a new carrier in my 14bff. I'm having trouble figuring out what exactly is meant in the set-up of the carrier preload. The 14 bolt bible and other sources say (not verbatim) to set the right side adjuster, you forcibly tighten the adjuster against the carrier, back off so it's not touching the bearing, and tighten again until contact, then turn 2 or so more slots.

Do they mean forcibly tighten again, then two slots more? Or just until it touches, then two slots more? It wasn't super tight, just snug+ when I did the latter. I've read on ringandpinion to tighten it pretty damn hard. The guy says he tightens as hard as he can with a 10-12" spanner and has never had bearings prematurely wear out. What say you? I want to get this right. I do remember that loosening the adjusters wasn't very hard to do, both on the donor and the new axle.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

They're saying zero lash (just touching) plus two slots. I've heard/read that you practically can't have too much carrier bearing preload.

It's super common to have loose carrier bearings in used axles.

 

[nutt7]

I already set the backlash to zero and then backed up two. I mean for the right side. If carriers can handle a butt load of preload though, I can certainly crank it at least two, maybe three slots more with a screwdriver.

 

[blazinzuk]

Set your backlash to spec.

Then tighten each adjustor an equal amount. I use my own tool and a 3 ft bar.

With a screwdriver your simply not going to overtighten it.

I have helped a couple guys running big tires, 49" plus , with gearing and the only thing we really changed was making the adjustors much tighter. And that helped their gears survive.

The important step is once backlash is set. Both adjustors must go in an equal amount. Or very close to an equal amount.

I always verify backlash after my final tightening

 

[nutt7]

Thanks , I'll go loosen up the bearing caps and tighten carrier adjusters down some more. As of now, the backlash is nicely set at 0.0065 or so. Cranking down the adjuster might bump it up a tad, but I will check it afterwards as well.

 

[blazinzuk]

If you tighten both adjustors an equal amount it will not change backlash

 

[nutt7]

If you tighten both adjustors an equal amount it will not change backlash

I did this and tightened the collars with two screwdrivers (it worked well) until I was picking up the axle (had the wife hold it down). Much tighter. I'm happy with it now. Backlash is at 0.007 after torquing it all down. Looser but good still. Thanks!

My concern now is pulling a pattern. In theory, it should be all good to run but I want to confirm. My old gear pattern compound is crap now. I tried white lithium too but it's not showing a defined pattern. I cleaned the gear, tried with and without a load, but it just rubs off almost all the compound. At certain angles, I can see the greasy residue and the pattern looks good. It almost seem like the grease rubs clear off the heel, but I can see where it started close to the toe. Coast is similar, but it looks like it rubs off the toe, but the beginning of contact looks good near the heel. I think I'll just run it unless something seems off to one of you. I'll try and post a pic

 

[blazinzuk]

Try Prussian blue. I know guys that use it.

Not common. It's dark and hard to see.

Also on used gears in a rear end only pay attention to the coast side.

I think I used Colgate toothpaste one time years ago in Moab

 

[nutt7]

Here we go. See what I mean? This pic caught the residue near the heel. Looks good to me but I'm no expert. I'm not worried about the "sharp" edge near the root. I think that's due to the consistency of my compound and the way the gears mesh.