So I got new bearings and races. I tried hard to get at 16-20 in # preload but it looks like I’m about 22. Do I need to start over again?
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The problem, too is I couldn’t get all the old compound off when I set the pinion depth and pictures are a little bit deceiving, but if I had to say, I would say it’s square in the tooth forward and backwards upwards and downwards.I believe that's slightly toe-heel, so the drive side is towards the toe (inside) and the coast side is toward the heel (outside). The fix is supposed to be moving the pinion closer, but since you're already tight on backlash, that would require moving carrier shims around again. Overall, it looks pretty decent. I've only done about a 1/2-dozen setups, so hopefully a more experienced eye can chime in.
With your tight preload, I would put some oil through the pinion bearings, spin them around a bit and bang on the pinion with a rubber mallet or deadblow hammer to see if the races will settle and loosen it up a couple in-lb.
Yep! I’m gonna run it. I should have bought a better/ more expensive gear set. If I change anything- at this point- I’ll be chasing my tail. I think it’ll be fineI'd say your good. The extra 2 pd on the pinion preload is nothing to worry about.
Breaking in new gears involves heat cycles. Take for a 15-20 minute drive streets. Let it cool down. Do it again. 3rd time go for a short highway drive let it cool. You can do 1 or 2 more times if you like. Then it's good to use. 200 to 500 miles on the oil change your call