Ok, if when I set the backlash to .005-.008 for optimum backlash, should I be as concerned with the heal toe pattern shown above, or am I ok with that pattern? I should mention these are used gears, although very low mileage from another 14 bolt I had.
CK5
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New Tow Rig 84 3+3 (Flatbed or Fleetside Poll)
- Thread starter K5-CJ5
- Start date
Yes always double check the contact pattern
Ok, changed the pinion depth, and yes it was too deep thanks to all that pointed me in that direction, and I got a perfect pattern, with a backlash of .009. I moved on to the wheel bearings, as there was metal throughout everything from the exploded pinion support bearing. Upon removal found the bearings had seen better days so had to run to town (an hour each way) and get bearings seals, and brake shoes. Will post some more pics tomorrow.
damn you really live in the sticks 
Subscribed 
Ok, finally finished up the pinion and carrier bearing replacement, along with wheel bearings and new brakes, hardware etc (since I was there). I put knew ujoints, and drive-shaft carrier bearing also. It is amzing how much quieter and smoother the truck drives now, huge difference.
I do have a questions however:
When I put the truck in reverse there is a clunk coming from the rear-end it was there prior to the new parts and I attributed the noise to excessive backlash. Well now that the backlash is set, what else is there? I know the spider gears could have a little wear but everything seemed perfect upon install. Is it a huge issue, does this occur often in these rigs. It has a th400/np205 combo for clarification.
Thanks
I do have a questions however:
When I put the truck in reverse there is a clunk coming from the rear-end it was there prior to the new parts and I attributed the noise to excessive backlash. Well now that the backlash is set, what else is there? I know the spider gears could have a little wear but everything seemed perfect upon install. Is it a huge issue, does this occur often in these rigs. It has a th400/np205 combo for clarification.
Thanks
You'll have to go under and isolate where the play is, it could be down in the tcase or tranny, not necessarily in the axle.
If it's in the axle, it could be also the shaft to side gear play.
If it's in the axle, it could be also the shaft to side gear play.
It's def. in the rear end by the feel of things. The ring and pinion is newer than the original, but its still a used gear set including the carrier, spider and side gears.
If its not too much of a concern I may just leave it alone until I put a posi unit in.
The reverse clunk is pretty normal. When it starts becoming more of a slam than a clunk, thats when you worry.
Subscribed so I can keep up. And yup TH400's like to hit reverse hard.
Good to know guys thanks! Its not anywhere near a slam, its a clunk, and only in reverse, I dont have the issue when going into forward drive and dont have the issues I have read about when coming to a stop or starting out etc.Ok, trucks running great, rear end it perfect, now on to the next project! Im thinking about swapping the fleet side bed for a flatbed. The current bed has been used alot and the bottom is sagging in between the bottom bed stringers. Does anyone know of a way to replace the bottom section of the bed, or plate over it?
Should I go Flatbed or stay with the fleet side? I have am 8x12 flatbed that I can cut down, shouldn't be too bad so cost isnt in the equation between the two.
Should I go Flatbed or stay with the fleet side? I have am 8x12 flatbed that I can cut down, shouldn't be too bad so cost isnt in the equation between the two.
TheBeast_88K5
Banned
flatbed...all day. 
Well what kinda flat bed you talkin here, just square and flat or with some side walls and tool boxes built in?
Keep the box. Flatbeds are hideous.
Martin
Martin
well I have an 8x12 flatbed that I would cut down to 7x8, build toolboxes in under the bed in front of the rear tires, and do custom headache rack, rear skirt and some sides of some sort. The bed itself would be completely flat, for utility purpose.
I had thought about doing a custom bed similar to the ones in Ryokens flatbed thread but I think I would loose to much usable space for a tow rig.
I like the look of that green first gen pickup with the flat bed somebody posted in that thread a few days ago. THAT is a sexy flat bed.
Keep the fleetside, flatbeds are 
Well I think flatbeds rock, but I love the look of the fleet side also. I decided to ditch the flatbed I have, leave the fleet side on for now and hopefully this summer, at some point, build a custom best similar to some of the ones Ryoken has on his flatbed thread.
On a side note I finished Groovy75's NP205 today and will be installing it on Saturday then heading to imiceman44's place. Looking forward to the weekend!
On a side note I finished Groovy75's NP205 today and will be installing it on Saturday then heading to imiceman44's place. Looking forward to the weekend!
