Dana 30 Pinion Preload Issue!

[982WDRanger]

So I finished up re-gearing my Dana 30 the other day after hours of pulling the pinion in and out to get the depth and preload correct. Finally got an awesome patter and a good number on the preload, so I tore it all down cleaned it all up, put in my new inner pinion race and bearings, installed the final shims, slingers, and seal. Tightened down the yolk to 200ft. lbs. and....! my prelaod was way off! Now my dial indicating torque wrench is reading like 45 ft. lbs., instead of the 14 I had during the set-up WTF! Anyone have an idea of what happened? I said f*ck it and just run it. All bearings are new, races, and seals. I figure its because everything is new? I dunno. Any input would help.

 

[4x4junkie]

I'll bet it's because of the different (new) bearings.

I try to avoid using "set up" bearings as much as possible for this very reason. Nothing's exactly 100% identical, especially when tolerances in an axle are as tight as they are.

If the gear pattern is still good, all you should have to do is pull the yoke off and add a slightly thicker preload shim stack in there. But to leave it at 45in-lbs is asking for burnt pinion bearings.