How to remove the yoke on a rear end?

[zacthrasher]

I need to swap yokes from one rear end to another. The question I have is I have removed the bolt from both ends but neither of the yokes will slip off, do I just use a gear puller or is there another method so I do not have to purchase a gear puller.

Thanks in advance!
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[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by zacthrasher

I need to swap yokes from one rear end to another. The question I have is I have removed the bolt from both ends but neither of the yokes will slip off, do I just use a gear puller or is there another method so I do not have to purchase a gear puller.

Thanks in advance!
Posted via Mobile Device

Yes you need to use a puller to do it correctly. The hammer method is always the easiest way but also the easiest way to damage the yoke.

Also, the pinion bearings have a preload on them that is gone once you remove the pinion nut. The only way to set the preload is to remove the carrier and use a inch pound torque wrench or you can just do what most do and hammer the nut on with a 1/2 impact and call it good.

The length of time before bearing and seal failure depend on the method used.

[Ol Blue K20]

Pics please the "removed the bolt from both ends" has me a bit confused about what you're asking

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

Pics please the "removed the bolt from both ends" has me a bit confused about what you're asking

I think he meant to say "removed the nut from both rear ends" Only a guess though.

[zacthrasher]

Yes he is correct, the nut not the bolt.
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What should I torque the nut to?

[kaycee]

Tap them off with a hammer TAP not beat the living sheet out of it, a little on each ear back and forth.

[TBONE1964]

Originally Posted by zacthrasher

Yes he is correct, the nut not the bolt.
Posted via Mobile Device

What should I torque the nut to?

The nut does not have a torque value like a lug nut or a head bolt. It is measured by the amount of preload on the pinion bearings and is measured with an inch pound torque wrench. I believe without looking it up that a used pinion bearing set needs 25 inch pounds to be correct.

My advice is to find a reputable rear end shop and see if they can set it up for you. I know it seems like an easy swap but if it is not done correctly you will not have any idea what the preload on the pinion bearing is and shorten the life of them alot.

You may or may not do ok just running the nut down with an impact until it does not have any play.

There are youtube videos on setting up pinion bearing preloads. Watch one and you will understand more about what I am talking about.

[Ol Blue K20]

It looks like you got an answer, you should also change the crush sleeve to help with making sure preload is correct. The utube video will help you alot

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by zacthrasher

I need to swap yokes from one rear end to another. The question I have is I have removed the bolt from both ends but neither of the yokes will slip off, do I just use a gear puller or is there another method so I do not have to purchase a gear puller.

Thanks in advance!
Posted via Mobile Device

In our area, some of the parts houses--Advance, AutoZone, among others--will loan a gear puller, upon paying a fully-refundable deposit. Quite nice of them. No need to buy one for this possibly onetime use.
Sam

[zacthrasher]

Alright all just wanted to say thanks!

Got the yoke removed and I used a harmonic balancer remover that I borrowed from the local parts store. Also all I replaced is just the seal at the yoke, I did not replace the crush sleeve. So far no leaks.

Once again you all are awesome, thanks for sharing the knowledge to those of us green horns!