If a man wanted to learn how to set a R&P, how would he go about it? Seems like there's not that many people who know how. Doesn't seem like something you would wanna go at with a case of beer and guess and check attitude........ 'cause that's how I handle most everything else.lol

Randy's R&P has a nice install manual on their website, i used that on my first set up my front end. I must of read 5 times before I did it. I bought the dial indicator at HF.

The basic trick is to have almost unlimited amounts of patience.

Ring and pinion setup is sometimes very logical - add this much ship to move this much backlash, and sometimes art - no one could predict that going the opposite way would make it line up correctly, and thus the entire project calls for the ability to set up - tear down - and set up again (and again) until it is right.

You also need a couple tools - a dial indicator and some basic knowledge of how to use it (plus of course some type of stand to hold it steady), a good torque wrench in both a small size (inch-pounds for breakaway) and foot-pounds) for torquing main bolts, and a press of some sort to deal with the pressed on bearings.

I usually start with the factory shims, and go from there. Mark and measure and do it again and again until it is dialed in right. Anyone can learn (well - almost anyone - I have met some true idiots in my days - screw up an air filter change -- those dudes should probalby just spend the money) how to do this job.

JoeV was right - and there are other resources on the web as well. Do a dogpile.com search for ring and pinon setup and you will find more sheets than you care to read...

Sounds like a plan. I think I'm going to pay for this install :( Just because I've spend more hours than I care to think about in past month under that thing. Plus, I'd like to do someone elses first ;) haha

Sounds like a plan. I think I'm going to pay for this install :(

This is still a good thing, If you get someone to do it, if possible watch how he does it ask plenty of questions so the next time you will feel more confident doing it.

I watched it done once and it wasn't precise. After that I did it on my own... I read the booklet a few dozen times. Now I feel that it is real easy! :D

I think Richmond has a video on it too.
If you do plan on eventually learning how to do it there are several tools you need that might like to have around anyway. Hydro press, indicator(s), set-up bearings and pinion nuts. Some axles require more tools than others.

I'm hopping to watch.... I dunno if i'm going be able to leave work to. I hate this. I'm all in knots that someone else is inside my heap. I keep thinking "Does he know how to work with those lockers?, is he going to screw something up..." I despise other people under my jeep.

First set that I did I was 17 yrs old. It was a 6.14 gearset in a "big" Olds rearend for my 55 Chevy dragcar. I bought an indicator set and read an article in Hot Rod magazine. Ran the setup for a couple years with no trouble from the rearend. I will admit that the old Olds rearends were easy to set to. They were/are like the 9" Fords, which make them easier than most as you don't have to shim the ring gear, the carrier has adjusters on either side of the carrier.

How much time do you guys think it would take to set up a toyota 8" and 7.5?

Best place to learn R&P's? In your garage. I learned on a 9" last year and i'm to the point that i can have one from random pieces to shimmed and set in about an hour and a half. I can do an 8.8 or a 44 in about 3 hours.

I started with guess and check and set the pattern, but i had a gear guy that would check my pattern when i thought it was right. Wouldn't say a word to me during the setup besides "yep" or "nope".

If everything went smoothly you could have a toyota 8 setup in about 2 hours, more likely 5-6 if it's a first time.

Justin

trance,
Find another wheeler locally that is pretty well-trusted as a good wrench and see if he'll show you how to do it. Most of my wrenching knowledge has come from being tool-bitches for other people, or having other people guide me through how to do something.

trance,
Find another wheeler locally that is pretty well-trusted as a good wrench and see if he'll show you how to do it. Most of my wrenching knowledge has come from being tool-bitches for other people, or having other people guide me through how to do something.
that shop is blowing smoke up my ass. I called randys, I can get what I need for 100 bucks, and a free vid. No one I know can do it. I'm the only local idiot who starts with some beer and slight knowlege for a job.

Trancezj,
If you're patient, have basic hand tools and a dial indicator you can do it in 4 - 6 hours. Read Randy's R&P install sheet and any other info you can get your hands on. I learned from a early 50's Motors Manual.
Depending on the brand coming out and going in there is a set of numbers on the pinion gear. Can't remember the technical term but it's a distance measurement from the bearing surface to the face of the pinion. Compare the 2 and use it as reference only. Start with the shim pack that was in there originally. Ues white gear grease to check the wipe pattern on the ring gear. Move pinion in or out with shims until the wipe is correct. Set backlash with the dial indicator.
The keys to a successful install are:
1. Patience, patience, patience
2. check both gear wipe and backlash in multiple spots
3. refer to #1
4. Blue locktight the crap out of everything
I know a " reputable" shop in my town that has had more than their share of ring gears come loose from the carrier. I just heard the had a bearing cap come loose and the bearing spun ruining the entire housing. It was just past the 30 warranty period. They offered to replace it all for him at their normal rate. No discount, no kiss, just bend over here it comes.

Also, another good piece of info here (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=108819&highlight=TOTW).