Ideas for Machining Solid Pinion Spacer

[Obsin71Ls1]

Hi
I could use your opinion on this issue. I'm rebuilding a diff and wanting to change to a solid collar in place of a crush sleeve.
My question is, should I make one that sits between the inner and outer bearing or one that sits on the step like the old crush sleeve. (see attached pics)

Any info is welcome

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[GetMore]

I think you can buy them. Not as much fun as making your own parts, but a bit easier.

[big gear head]

$15 wil get you one with the correct shims. They are made to fit in the same location as the crush spacer.

[Skip Fix]

Ratech I believe. They also have shims to space the race for the pinion so you don't have to press the bearing off and on to get depth. Not sure knocking the race out is that much easier though.

[Obsin71Ls1]

Thanks for help guys. Unfortunately this is not a domestic diff thus there is no aftermarket support for it. I have to make most of the stuff myself.

after some reading and more searching, looks like I should have the solid collar sit between the step and outer bearing.

[T_Raven]

What's the benefit of a solid spacer? I would think it would be tough to get it the right length for the proper preload on the bearings.

[JeffT]

Thanks for help guys. Unfortunately this is not a domestic diff thus there is no aftermarket support for it. I have to make most of the stuff myself.

after some reading and more searching, looks like I should have the solid collar sit between the step and outer bearing.

What's the diff out of? You might measure your pinion shaft and see how it compares to 10 bolt, 12 bolt, 8.8 ford or 9" ford. I've used gm 12 bolt super shims to set backlash on mazda rx-7 rears as they are very close to the gm 12 bolt.

[JeffT]

What's the benefit of a solid spacer? I would think it would be tough to get it the right length for the proper preload on the bearings.


With a solid spacer kit you get one thick spacer and a smaller shim pack so you can more easily set preload. The benefit is you never loose your preload due to crush sleeve deflection. It also allows you to change pinion seals/yokes without having to wonder if you got the preload correct without taking the whole rear apart.

[Obsin71Ls1]

What's the diff out of? You might measure your pinion shaft and see how it compares to 10 bolt, 12 bolt, 8.8 ford or 9" ford. I've used gm 12 bolt super shims to set backlash on mazda rx-7 rears as they are very close to the gm 12 bolt.

Jeff, thanks for the info. The diff is out of a BMW getting a LS1 swap. Its a 8.2" ring (210mm) and closely resembles some Ford 8.8 parts. Rather than use shims, I intend to machine the spacer down to the appropriate height.


The other huddle is shims. I can get pinion shims from Ratech (sp) but the carrier shims are rather large. Any recommendations for a place I can buy shim stock from? (BMW wants $250 for a shim pack :bsjerk:)

said shim

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diff
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