Sterling Pinion Preload Shims?

[bigbluetruck]

Does anyone know where I can get a kit with a spacer and preload shims to replace the crush sleeve when I set my gears in my 10.25 sterling? I know Summit Racing has them for the 8.8 - Don't both axles use the same crush sleeve?

[rabidranger]

I doubt the sterling uses the same crush sleeze, the pinnion better be alot bigger than the 8.8's one. Call DTS (or any other drivetrain shop for that matter) and ask for an install kit.

[bigbluetruck]

Hey - I found an answer, thought I would post incase someone else needs one. Reider Racing lists one part number for 7.5, 8.8, 9, and 10.25 axles.

[wetnsloppy4x]

Hey - I found an answer, thought I would post incase someone else needs one. Reider Racing lists one part number for 7.5, 8.8, 9, and 10.25 axles.
Excellent info!! Thanks for posting that up!

[rabidranger]

I stand corrected, good to know...

[OX]

Hey - I found an answer, thought I would post incase someone else needs one. Reider Racing lists one part number for 7.5, 8.8, 9, and 10.25 axles.

I've heard the 10.25 has a weak pinion (comparativley to other big FF's), is this why??

[Lars915]

Yes. Sounds like the pinion preload loosens up pretty easily on the 10.25. The shim kit is supposed to eliminate the problem.

[saf-t scissors]

Problem I had was with the pinion threads themselves... and they are definitely smaller than, say, a 14 bolt.

[LeviGarrett76]

the only pinion problems the sterling has is that stupid crush sleeve, since i put the eliminator in mine, i have had zero problems, havent been able to break shit with 44's, 5.13's and a big block

[bigbluetruck]

Any install tip? I figure I'd mic the crush sleeve thats in the axle now, and use that as a starting point. I have set up axles before with these without using an inch pound torque wrench. I just set up my mag base dial indicator on the housing, I'd install everything and measure the end play on the pinion. Then I would adjust the shims until I had zero endplay on the pinion. I subtracted 0.005 worth of shim so I would have some bearing preload, and just torqured the pinion nut. Never had a problem with this method so far. I wonder what torque value the pinion nut should have, thre doesn't seem to be any published as these axles all came with the crush sleeve and you torque the nut when you crush the sleeve.