Setting up a differential

[sargentrs]

Ok, so I'm going to get the PowerTrax No Slip for my truck, in a couple of weeks. Supposedly, it's a relatively simple install, just pull the spider gears and replace them with the PowerTrax. I have the single speed (2wd) Ford 9" carrier with a 3.00 gear set. However, in order to pull the spider gears, I have to remove the carrier and open it up. So, once I do that, and put in back together, will I have to reset the gear lash, preload, etc, or, if I keep the shims correctly numbered and replaced in the same location, and don't unload the pinion, will the gear mesh be suitable? If I've gotta reset all that then I might as well pull the pinion gear, replace the bearings, etc. I've done that before but it doesn't look too complicated. Tedious, but not complicated.

[Bummer72]

Can't say much about setting it up...saw in done in a youtube video once...
We're running pretty much exactly the same set up...I have 3.00 gears in my differential, with a Ford LS center unit.
Also, running a 302 followed by a 3sp on the tree. I was kinda worried it would be too much of a dog starting out, but it isn't bad at all
Gotta love it on the highway! I wonder if anyone expects that old truck to be barreling along like I do!!!!

[sargentrs]

I've been running 3.89 gears, no LS, with the same 302/3 on the tree set up. At 70mph on the highway she's screamin' so loud you can't hear yourself think! So when I started planning my build I decided to go with auto tranny and 3.00 gears. I'll be driving strictly highway and road miles and I don't intend, I say "intend", to be doing any drag racing so I want lower rpm's at top end and better mileage. The 3.00 chunk was in the parts truck I bought so I, basically, got it for free.

[67mann]

If your gonna open it that far...it's really not that big of a deal to get gear mesh.You did mention that it's a(unknown to you)chunk(3rdmember)out of a parts truck

PM sent also

[averagef250]

You're just pulling the carrier right?

Measure the backlash first and run a test pattern if you want. Then pull the carrier. When you reinstall it the goal is maximum preload with the right backlash and your pattern will be right on.

[sargentrs]

Thanks guys! Yeah, I'll probably go ahead and go for it. Seems a shame to have it open and not replace the bearings and such.

[1972hiboy]

the powertrax just goes in place of the spider gears doesnt it? so if memory serves me right you can get the spider gears out of the carrier without acually taking the carrier apart. you will remove the third member from the rear end housing then swap your spiders out for the powertrax and bolt back together. there shouldnt be any gear removing.

[sargentrs]

Yes, it does. However, I've got the Ford differential http://www.fordification.com/tech/image ... ential.jpg , so I'm going to have to open up the carrier to get to the spider gears. There's no access to it like the Dana.

[1972hiboy]

ahh. interesting. I learned something!

[sargentrs]

Here's a pic...

[Bummer72]

Sargentrs, what size tires are you going to run on this set up?
Reason I ask is I'm just curious to see what your final rpms will be at highway speed. I'm running 235/75R15LT, and I'm pulling around 2400rpm at 65mph.
I found this calculator fun to play with when deciding whether 3.00 would be geared appropriately:
RPM/Speed/Gear Ratio Visual Calc

[sargentrs]

Haven't quite decided that yet. Had 265/75-15's on her before I started disassembling. I like how the 265's filled up the wheel well. Not going to drop it any, not my style, so I'll probably go back with a 265/55-17 or close to that. I like to see some rubber around my wheels. Should give me a little under 3000 rpm @ 80mph. That's my target anyway.

[cdeal28078]

If that is anything like the Richmond Loc-Rite set up you replace the side gears also. You do pull apart the diff. but if you follow the directions you do not have to go back through the setting up the gears and back lash.
IF it is the same.
Clint

[sargentrs]

Similar. Same family, different technology, similar install. I'm hoping it'll go back together pretty close but I'm prepared to tweak as necessary. Thanks!

[sargentrs]

So I was running through my mind what to tell the mechanic's shop about which bearings, etc and realized I'm not sure about one of them. On the pinion pilot bearing, the smallest one, in the case, there's 2 snap rings and a retainer. So do you put the outer snap ring in, press in the bearing, then put the inner snap ring and retainer in, or vice versa?