I'm learning how to set up gears. I had a friend that was going to help me, but he was called to go to Germany. He taught me a little, such as how to use the dial indicator. Basically, I'm on my own. I've got an old HP 44 that I'm using to practice. He told me to read Precision Gear's instruction pamphlet, he said it does a good job of helping. I'm using the old bearings and races as "set ups". I've got my backlash to 0.009" and ran my first gear pattern. I've seen patterns from images on PBB and other websites, but I need some advice as to where my pattern needs to be. My camera is only a 3 megapixel, so the quality isn't great. Hopefully, it's good enough. If not I can try my digital camcorder.

http://img72.photobucket.com/albums/v219/us_patriot/gear004.jpg
http://img72.photobucket.com/albums/v219/us_patriot/gear006.jpg

check out randy's ring and pinion website. I believe it will show detailed instructions along with acceptable patterns. You want to be more concerned with your face to flank as opposed to heel to toe. Your pattern wants to be nice and even, ie not like a knife edge. Heel to toe equals inside to edge of gear. face to flank equals top of gear to bottom of gear

I'd like to see you go .005" LESS on the pinion shim....and hold the BL at .007. I'll check back.

Thanks for helping out. When I get home from work I'll do that.

I see, so the pattern needs to look more rectangular than mine. Also I need to focus more on the coast than the drive correct?

I had one question about the pinion preload. The yukon manual said to use 14-19 in. lbs. but the precision gear one said to use 22-25 in. lbs., what do you guys suggest using?

I'd concentrate more on the drive side.....easier to read. 14~20 inch/lb

I put the pinion down 0.006" and the BL is at 0.007". Here's what I have for the pattern.

http://img72.photobucket.com/albums/v219/us_patriot/gear001.jpg
http://img72.photobucket.com/albums/v219/us_patriot/gear002.jpg

I put the pinion down 0.005" from the stock shim depth, 0.001" higher than the last post's. I tried to keep the BL at 0.007" but could only get it to approximately 0.0065". Was I better off with the last posting's pattern or this one? Where do I need to take it from here?

http://img72.photobucket.com/albums/v219/us_patriot/gear007.jpg
http://img72.photobucket.com/albums/v219/us_patriot/gear008.jpg

bingo

Great! :D
But which one is the bingo? The second post or the third post? Or is there a significant difference? I think I see a small difference between the two, but then again I'm learning.

I have a few more questions I need to ask as I couldn't find the answer in the yukon, PG manuals, or Randy's website. Do I need to add any shims to compensate for using the "set up" bearings and races instead of pressing the bearings and races? I would assume that I do need to add at least a 0.003" shim to all of the races and bearings that were used before I press the bearings on, but again I'm just learning.

The other question I have deals with new gear sets. Is there anything different that I'd have to do in the setup procedure?

Also, how would you recommend determining the pinion preload shims for a case that has no existing internal components. Say I was going to buy a Tera 60 or I pulled an axle out of a junkyard but it had been stripped to nothing. Is there a general shim reference available for each model of axle?

Thanks for the help everyone.

I put the pinion down 0.005" from the stock shim depth, 0.001" higher than the last post's. I tried to keep the BL at 0.007" but could only get it to approximately 0.0065". Was I better off with the last posting's pattern or this one? Where do I need to take it from here?

http://img72.photobucket.com/albums/v219/us_patriot/gear007.jpg
http://img72.photobucket.com/albums/v219/us_patriot/gear008.jpg

Bingo here. Gotta use that "macro mode" on the camera more.....helps in seeing the patterns.

per the starter bearings......I don't use that method. My puller has been "fine tuned" to get the bearings off without damage....but I think you are right about changing the shim pack slightly. Differs also with different bearing manufactureres.
I can't comment on the housing issue. I don't do enough of them to say much worth listening to.

Thanks for the help, ZUK. I think I understand what to really look for in the pattern now, though I do need more practice. Your website images have helped too.

The camera just plain sucks, it's a 3 megapixel POS. I'll be getting a Canon 300D before I start medical school this fall.