Ok guys its always something. This time it looks like a bad pinion bearing. So my question is is it possible to torque the pinion nut and set the preload while the axle is on the truck on stands. I don't have a lift and don't really want to drop the axle. I've heard its impossible to get the leverage on the ground. Has anyone done it?

 

I tightened my pinion flange nut like that.

 

What tools did you use?

 

A breaker bar and a tire iron.

 

Tire iron? To hold the u joint flange?

 

Yeah, I let it wedge against the ground.

 

Ok thanks. I've got parts on order. I'll let you know how it goes. I decided to spring for a pinion depth gage. I don't have a lot if experience reading mesh patterns so i figure the $20 is worth the time and piece of mind.