The Ford Barn

Cory Moffat · 06-11-2025, 07:17 PM

Installing a 3:54 gearset. After getting my preloads done I am at the point of setting the backlash on the pinion. I have the carrier within .002 of dead center of the banjo with the axle housings installed. I just wanted to ask which way you shifted your carrier to find that sweet spot. Or maybe it was in the middle. I figured it would save me a little time when go to assemble it all to check it.
A little imput from the experienced installing 3:54s would be appreciated

jetmek · 06-11-2025, 08:57 PM

Dial indicator at the point of one of the pinion nuts .006 is ideal

Bob C · 06-11-2025, 10:08 PM

Follow the Tom Endy article.
https://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-cont...vised-2014.pdf

Jim Brierley · 06-12-2025, 12:50 PM

This type of gears are very forgiving, but .006" to .008" is an ideal backlash figure.

Cory Moffat · 06-14-2025, 09:39 PM

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So first try I put that odd .002" of an inch on the left side and ended up with .006" of backlash. Thanks for your imput.

06-11-2025, 07:17 PM	#1
Cory Moffat Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chief lake BC Canada Posts: 71	Pinion backlash Installing a 3:54 gearset. After getting my preloads done I am at the point of setting the backlash on the pinion. I have the carrier within .002 of dead center of the banjo with the axle housings installed. I just wanted to ask which way you shifted your carrier to find that sweet spot. Or maybe it was in the middle. I figured it would save me a little time when go to assemble it all to check it. A little imput from the experienced installing 3:54s would be appreciated

06-11-2025, 08:57 PM	#2
jetmek Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: albany Posts: 487	Re: Pinion backlash Dial indicator at the point of one of the pinion nuts .006 is ideal __________________ engine and component overhauls my specialty! Website- www.godevilgarage.com

06-11-2025, 10:08 PM	#3
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 9,360	Re: Pinion backlash Follow the Tom Endy article. https://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-cont...vised-2014.pdf

06-12-2025, 12:50 PM	#4
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,251	Re: Pinion backlash This type of gears are very forgiving, but .006" to .008" is an ideal backlash figure.

06-14-2025, 09:39 PM	#5
Cory Moffat Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chief lake BC Canada Posts: 71	Re: Pinion backlash Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) So first try I put that odd .002" of an inch on the left side and ended up with .006" of backlash. Thanks for your imput.