7.5 pinion question

[Just_Randy]

With almost 200k miles on my ranger its no surprise I have play all in the axle. Play in the spider gears, lots of backlash, and the pinion seems to wobble a tiny bit. I took the diff out, grabbed the pinion gear with my hand and I can pull it in and out enough to make a knocking noise.

My question is does the pinion have a crush sleeve and can I tighten the pinion nut to crush the sleeve some more? Everything else I think I can shim up to remove play.

 

[4x4junkie]

I guess it couldn't hurt to try, though you might want to check to make sure the bearings aren't bad (was it making any noise at all?)
Be sure you don't exceed the recommended preload on the bearings or you'll have to replace the crush sleeve for sure then.

If you have a limited slip diff, most of the play in the side/spider gears will be because of worn clutch discs. A clutch disc kit should take care of any issues there.

 

[Just_Randy]

So it does have a crush sleeve for sure? There isn't any bearing noise, just some play axially. However, there does seem to be some preload because the pinion won't spin freely. I don't know if its the seal dragging on it or if the bearings have preload. If the bearings do have preload, then how could I feel play?

I don't want to buy anything or have to tear apart the pinion. I just intended to clean everything and add some shims. I don't do hardcore offroading or pavement burnouts, I just want the play to be minimal.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Yes, there is a crush sleeve.

 

[Just_Randy]

So is there anyway I could have preload and play at the same time?

 

[4x4junkie]

No.

The drag could be just the seal, but to know for sure, you need to take it apart.

 

[Just_Randy]

Thanks guys! I think I'm just going to put it back together and shim out some of the back lash. Then tighten the pinion nut as much as I can or until the play goes away.