front diff problems

[mikecraft]

ok i have d35 in my ranger and getting a noise from it that sounds like the front ds is loose checked it out and replaced the front ds still the noise is there... upon inspection i noticed the yoke/pinion to have some movement in it.. my ? is can i tighten it up or should i get a rebuild kit

[cootees]

If you have pinion movement change the pinion seal. If just the nut is loose then tighten the sucker back up.

[mikecraft]

seal isnt leaking but thats an idea

[xjtrailrider]

If your front D-35 is a "crush sleeve" design, Phil's advice is going to fubar your gearset.

1) if you have movement in the pinion and the nut is not loose then your pinion bearings are shot, you will need to set-up a new gear set with new bearings.

2) if the pinion nut is loose and you tighten it and you have a crush sleeve design then your "pinion bearing preload" will be to high and you will kill your bearings very quickly.

3) If you have a spacer style pinion then you can tighten to the specification and you will be fine

[cootees]

If your front D-35 is a "crush sleeve" design, Phil's advice is going to fubar your gearset.

1) if you have movement in the pinion and the nut is not loose then your pinion bearings are shot, you will need to set-up a new gear set with new bearings.

2) if the pinion nut is loose and you tighten it and you have a crush sleeve design then your "pinion bearing preload" will be to high and you will kill your bearings very quickly.

3) If you have a spacer style pinion then you can tighten to the specification and you will be fine

Learn something new everyday.

[mikecraft]

spacers and shims according to ford... the dana spec sheet i looked at said 470 ft lbs for the nut for some reason that seems to be a lil much

[401cj]

put socket on it tighten til u cant tighten anymore the put a piece of pipe on it n tighten again not sure torque u will get but it works

[YJeXtreme]

The torque can vary.... normally it's in the 150-200ft lb range. I'd start at 150, check the preload, and keep torquing it down until the pinion preload is properly set back to spec.