The Ford Barn

Brian · 10-05-2021, 04:46 PM

Well, I feel a bit [a lot!!] stupid....I've just assembled and fitted a Columbia into my car. I set the preload on the side bearings without the pinion fitted, in order to more accurately gauge a heavy drag, settled on .009 gasket one side, .005 on other. Fitted the pinion, set the preload; holding the pinion in the vise, spin the banjo as hard and fast as I can; it does just under one spin...That's how i always set them, assembled and had .004 backlash at pinion [Ford calls for between .003-.008]
Installed axle into the car. Upon turning a brake drum, it is heavy to turn, and the other drum rotates in the SAME direction. If I lock up one drum, there is still considerable effort required to turn the other drum.
In Columbia's, there is a brass shim fitted behind each axle gear, also behind each spider. I replaced all of those during the build with new items. I'm thinking I've got insufficient clearance within this area. There should be a degree of backlash present within the spider gear assembly...I've come to this conclusion, because, normally, upon turning one axle, the other turns in the opposite direction on account of the spiders.
ARGHHH
What say you experts?

10-05-2021, 04:46 PM	#1
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,998	problem Well, I feel a bit [a lot!!] stupid....I've just assembled and fitted a Columbia into my car. I set the preload on the side bearings without the pinion fitted, in order to more accurately gauge a heavy drag, settled on .009 gasket one side, .005 on other. Fitted the pinion, set the preload; holding the pinion in the vise, spin the banjo as hard and fast as I can; it does just under one spin...That's how i always set them, assembled and had .004 backlash at pinion [Ford calls for between .003-.008] Installed axle into the car. Upon turning a brake drum, it is heavy to turn, and the other drum rotates in the SAME direction. If I lock up one drum, there is still considerable effort required to turn the other drum. In Columbia's, there is a brass shim fitted behind each axle gear, also behind each spider. I replaced all of those during the build with new items. I'm thinking I've got insufficient clearance within this area. There should be a degree of backlash present within the spider gear assembly...I've come to this conclusion, because, normally, upon turning one axle, the other turns in the opposite direction on account of the spiders. ARGHHH What say you experts? __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit!