MADDAWG99X

Hey guy, I need to replace the pinion seal on my 76 with a ford 9". How can I text the preload on the pinion bearing without taking the carrier off, or if anyone has any better ideas on how to test the preload please let me know. Can I just mark where the nut is and line it back up when I'm done since I'm not replacing the crusher sleeve?
Thanks in advance

Eco Tuner

Try "feel" (I know, easy to say when you do them all the time) but you want to just have enough resistance to know there is no slop....having it turning the axles and wheels makes this difficult so remove both wheels so there is as little mass turning with it. If they are removed tighten until you can just real some resistance and you will be close and the existing crush sleeve you should then be tight against as well (no way to see, but assume so).

Not exact, but works well.

MADDAWG99X

Yeah I'll try that! I just wasn't sure if it had to be the exact same preload or if I could just be close to the original preload. Thanks

RLXXI

If you have access to an air impact you will get good results with a method I was taught and have used for the past 20+ years for that job.

Change the seal and run the yoke nut up until the impact starts hammering and STOP!!

Works every time.

.

Eco Tuner

Absolutely...that works as well.....same process, just described a bit differently and you description is easier to understand!

highlander620

try a torque wrench just to check the amount of preload should be about 230 ftlbs of
torque

route66

I know this is an older post and you've probably already finished up the job but maybe it will help out others . In the dealerships we used to do exactly what you said ... just mark the flange , the pinion , and the nut with a center punch straight across . Replace the seal and line up all the punch marks exactly , run the nut down an extra 1/16 to 1/8 of a turn farther because the bearings have already seated in . If you replace the crush sleeve its a whole different story and you use a impact/ torque wrench but since you arent ( and its not neccesary ) when changing just the seal . Polish up the flange where the seal rides and put a little lube on it . Oh yeah , and put some sealer like Permatex on the splines in the yoke so oil doesnt leak out through there . Check/ top up your fluid level and off you go . Piece of cake