Driveline Ticking Noise, Part 2 - The Repair
 

Has anyone had experience with replacing the pin that locates the driveshaft to the pinion shaft? It seems the new pin I have is a very loose fit, when it should be a snug fit. Does it snug up when the end is peened after installation? Does it matter?

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/pictur...ictureid=29751

Re: Driveline Ticking Noise, Part 2 - The Repair
 

Peening the pin is to keep it from being thrown out of the hole by the rotation of the driveshaft, and to prevent lateral movement of the shaft on the pinion. Any slop in the connection between the shaft and the pinion may be caused by excess wear on the splines. This can eventually result in damage to the pin. Examine both the shaft and pinion to see if the pin hole is elongated. Clutch shudder can be the cause.

Re: Driveline Ticking Noise, Part 2 - The Repair
 

After having 3 break on me on three different cars I started using grade 8 bolts 1/4" and tack welding the nut once tight.

Re: Driveline Ticking Noise, Part 2 - The Repair
 

That's what I'm thinking is the better solution. I know there have been contrary opinions expressed about using hardened bolts, but if shear strength is the issue, it seems to me that a hardened bolt should take whatever little slack and resulting torque is produced by spline wear better than a soft pin. It takes an awful lot of force to shear a hardened 1/4 inch bolt.

If there's that much slack in the splines, it's probably time to replace the entire rear end and driveshaft; and I hope I'm not writing an epitaph in saying that!