Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Peters
Update: I ground the inside tab off a pinion thrust washer and shimmed the rear pinion bearing with it. It's pretty thick. Reassembled the axle housing. Backlash disappeared, but it binds a little bit in one spot when I rotate the driveshaft around the entire ring gear. So now hunting for a thinner shim. Dave is correct in saying that the pinion gear is cone shaped, so shimming the pinion to the rear DOES reduce back lash between the ring and pinion. A larger question is: Is this the best way to adjust backlash? Tom Endy may still be correct in adjusting backlash strictly with banjo gaskets and carrier shims. It can be done either way, but Tom's method keeps the pinion centered on the ring gear. I will defer to the experts on this question.
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I also used a thrust washer to start with as a test. I also found it too thick.
Snyder's sells shims that will stack to your needed dimension. Order part A-4221-SH. Each shim is .005". Measure the thickness of your fabricated washer (it should measure between .060" and .067") and order shims to result in about .01" less. You will likely need 10 shims. You will find it works well. As you have verified, the designed and machined shape of the pinion gear allows it to be moved forward or back as necessary to "fine" tune the fit.
BTW: I do not suggest shimming the pinion if the proper lash can be achieved by shifting the housing gaskets.
Thanks for reporting back.
Good Day!