How Tight Carrier

[Ronno6]

1984 C10 8.5" 10 Bolt 2.73 open
I am upgrading to Yukon posi 3.73 Richmiond gears.

When I disassembled the old carrier, it was shimmed in so tight that I had to pry it out with a crowbar.
Is this typical?
Or, should I reduce the thickness of a shim or 2??

 

[73c20jim]

Do wear pattern check to decide shims.

 

[bucket]

1984 C10 8.5" 10 Bolt 2.73 open
I am upgrading to Yukon posi 3.73 Richmiond gears.

When I disassembled the old carrier, it was shimmed in so tight that I had to pry it out with a crowbar.
Is this typical?
Or, should I reduce the thickness of a shim or 2??

That's normal. The assembly needs to fit in there nice and snug. They actually make a "case spreader" to make the job a little easier.

 

[Ronno6]

Do wear pattern check to decide shims.

Can I do a wear pattern with ring gear back lash at .012" when spec calls for .006" - .008??

 

[Ronno6]

That's normal. The assembly needs to fit in there nice and snug. They actually make a "case spreader" to make the job a little easier.

I have seen videos in which the carrier pretty much falls out, and some in which it needs to be pried out,,,,,,

 

[crazy4offroad]

Can I do a wear pattern with ring gear back lash at .012" when spec calls for .006" - .008??

I wouldn't, just try to get within that range. As far as the carrier falling out of some and needing pried out of others, the 14 bolt full floater has adjusters on either side of the carrier. Once loosened the carrier drops right out. If an axle has carrier bearing caps and just falls out, they must have been tearing into it to fix it. The bearings have to have preload on them so it does have to be pretty tight going together. Otherwise your backlash measurement will be all over the place. It may look good to start with but once load is put on the carrier by driving, it will loosen up and you'll have more backlash than you intended.

 

[bucket]

Can I do a wear pattern with ring gear back lash at .012" when spec calls for .006" - .008??

I'll differ from Curt and say yes. Then you'll have a better idea of what shims to move to get backlash into spec AND a good mesh pattern on the next test.

 

[Ronno6]

I'll differ from Curt and say yes. Then you'll have a better idea of what shims to move to get backlash into spec AND a good mesh pattern on the next test.

The simple thing for me will be to reverse sides with the shims.
That will move the carrier .003" in towards the pinion, if I remember correctly.
I'll check the backlash and contact patch.
Can I use white teflon grease on the teeth faces or do I need to use the yellow paint?
I'm hoping I don't have to move the pinion, bit of course, I will if I need to....
Gotta pull it out 1 more time to install the crush sleeve anyway..

 

[Ronno6]

After a few attempts I was able to get backlash set to .006" min to .009" max.
Now, on to contact patch.
I'll use the yellow stuff for first try.
If I have to make additional attempts and run out of yellow stuff, can I use white teflon grease?

 

[bucket]

That might be too sticky and gooey. Just go light on the yellow paint.

 

[Ronno6]

Do I apply to ALL teeth??

 

[bucket]

Just an area on the ring gear, on the coast side of the teeth also.

 

[Blue Ox]

When you say .006" to .009" you're talking about the specs, not the actual measurements, right?

As far as checking the contact pattern I think they usually suggest checking three places on the ring gear about 120° apart.

You can use white grease in a pinch, but it's not as easy to see the pattern.

If you can you can, try wedging a piece of wood between the ring gear and housing to load it while you turn the pinion. You'll get a clearer pattern that way.

 

[Ronno6]

When you say .006" to .009" you're talking about the specs, not the actual measurements, right?

As far as checking the contact pattern I think they usually suggest checking three places on the ring gear about 120° apart.

Y
If you can you can, try wedging a piece of wood between the ring gear and housing to load it while you turn the pinion. You'll get a clearer pattern that way.

Those are actual dimensions with a mag base dial indicator as close to 90° to tooth face as I can get.
I checked contact pattern in 2 places and all was amazingly good. I did apply resistance to the ring gear when testing.

Now to remove everything in order to install the crush sleeve and hope nothing changes when I reassemble..........

I do need to loctite and torque the ring gear bolts. Can I use a torque stick for that?? 19mm 65 ft/lbs is available for my 1/2" drive impact....

 

[Blue Ox]

So it was .006" in one spot and .009" in the other? That doesn't sound too good.

However if the contact pattern is right then I guess proceed as normal. Do you have a way of properly measuring pinion preload?

The torque stick,.. you can probably get away with it. It's not ideal, but I guess you could do worse things.