Question About Rear Diff Pinion Nut Tolerances

[MotoMex25]

I am currently rebuilding the rear end on my pickup, and I've gotten to the point of installing my pinion gear. I am using the old pinion/ring gears, but I replaced all of the bearings and races. From what I've found on GMT400 and multiple other websites, you should tighten the pinion nut until it takes about 18in-lbs to spin the pinion gear without any other load, and without the carrier assembly. Using a Milwaukee impact, I couldn't get the crush ring to crush, so I used a my CP air impact and got it to turn about 1/8 of a turn. Re-checked it, and it takes about 20-25in-lbs to spin the pinion gear. The bearings are dry. Is 20-25in-lbs okay? Or, is 18in-lbs a MUST, and I need to pull it apart to replace the crush ring?

Thanks in advanced.

 

[evilunclegrimace]

Lube the bearing and recheck the preload. You are using a beam type in.lb. torque wrench correct?

 

[MotoMex25]

i tried pouring oil through a port up top, while simultaneously spinning the pinion on a low drill speed. After that, it measured somewhat similar, if anything, it dropped to an even 20in-lbs. Also yes, I am using a beam style torque wrench.

 

[evilunclegrimace]

i tried pouring oil through a port up top, while simultaneously spinning the pinion on a low drill speed. After that, it measured somewhat similar, if anything, it dropped to an even 20in-lbs. Also yes, I am using a beam style torque wrench.

Send it.

 

[MotoMex25]

Sounds good, I agree I think it'll be okay. I might hold off for just a day or so to see if anyone else has any input, but I think you're right. Thanks

 

[evilunclegrimace]

Sounds good, I agree I think it'll be okay. I might hold off for just a day or so to see if anyone else has any input, but I think you're right. Thanks

I am willing to bet that if the seal was not installed you would have hit it right on spec. I can't remember how many of these diffs I have done over the last 40 years but any time you are that close it is GTG.

 

[SNCTMPL]

My book says 10-19”# with new bearings, you should be good to go at 20. But next time don’t install the bearings without a little gear oil.

 

[MotoMex25]

@evilunclegrimace @SNCTMPL I appreciate the reassurance. I'll go get her done.