Pinion bearing question

[melvin]

Hey guys -

I'm planning on swapping in an eaton posi in the rear of my 70 c10 project. Everything is still tight, ring/pinion are in great shape, backlash is at 0.007, etc.

My question is, if I want to replace the pinion bearings at the same time is it as simple as replacing the bearings, reusing the existing shims, and preloading to factory specs?

[zzzjojozzz]

other then pressing the bearing off after u get the pinion out i wood recomend using the existing crush washer also

[dwcsr]

Start with the original shims and go from there. I would use the original crush sleeve only to check prior to final button up then use a new one or a solid sleeve that you shim to fit.

[69GMCor70Chevy]

When I did mine this fall I re-used all of the shims but changed the crush collar. All is good!

[69 longhorn]

If you are not changing gears, I would replace the bearings/races on the pinion(yes do keep the original shim that was under the rear pinion bearing). replace the crush collar, & the pinion seal. Pull the nut up on the pinion (use lock-tite), till you crush it enough to get the proper rotating tork, with motor oil on the bearings. Check the book, but in the range of 15-20 Inches rotating(not break away tork) , should be good on NEW bearings. When you plant the ring gear on the new carrier be carefull to seat her flat,(check for burrs , ect) & check the backlash in 4 points to be sure the ring is running straight when you assemble. If you use the same side shims, you should be ok with the new carrier.....unless you notice a change in the backlash. At that point, you need to add/subtract from side to side to compensate. if you notice a spot in the backlash a tad tighter , while checking in the 4 spots(say .0015-.002), you should be able to live with that(assuming .007-.008 backlash). hope that helps, crazyAL

[melvin]

Thanks guys, that's what I wanted to hear.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

Ive rebuilt many of them but if everything is snug & feels good I would leave it alone. You will want to replace the seals. Mark the position of the pinion nut before you pull it & put it back the way it was with some locktight.