Chunks! I read about 50 manuals & sites preparing to do my gears & then I can't answer a simple question.

What's the "+(n)" value mean on pinions? I thought it was tolerance for the cd but can't find confirmation. The only article I found that mentioned it used "+0" as the example and that it means "a few thousands" (!) leeway. Nice.

I've seen gearsets with both cd's and +, and some without the "+", but someone tells me today that some sets only have the + value. Can anyone confirm? Must be a brand thing?

Everyone, call Randy's tomorrow and ask them to keep their tech line open on weekends! ;)

Dave

the +and - values are the+or - from centerline that the gear needs to be to be at the proper checking distance ie: centerline is 3.150 and your gear has a distance of 3.152that means that gear is a -2

Those nubmers only get you "close" anyway. Adjustments will more than likely be needed anyway.... so drop some shims in there and get a pattern. Then work from there.

As the previously solid ground began to crumble...

I understood the centerline as the true center of the axle/ring from which the pinion depth is measured. If a gear is marked 3.152 should I not shim its nose to 3.152" from the axle centerline? Your addtl centerline number of 3.150 threw me. I've missed a measurement.

Just checked a set of gears in the garage. Yukon D30 4.56's. The pinion is marked 0.686" with no +/-. A glance says the pinion nose should be ~1.5" from centerline of the ring gear.

Yes, I've missed something.

Time for :beer:
Dave

Originally posted by Nobody
...so drop some shims in there and get a pattern. Then work from there.

Now that I understand. Helped with one 8.8 and we made a lucky guess the 2nd try. I'm okay with that, but I'd like to clear up my confusion about markings. Be able to talk about what I'm doing without drooling, yaknow.

Dave

The best explanation I found was in an early bronco factory repair manual. Basically said exactly what gearman said.

Also there are usually 2 numbers on the pinion. One is the +/- number..... I've never seen more than +/- 3...but I haven't seen a lot. The other number will hopefully have a matching number on the ring gear, showing they are a matched set. Those numbers may or may not be present. Right??? :confused:

Maybe someone can draw a picture that will help

NO. Only the pinion will have the variance marked on it. Both ring and pinion will have some random number like "686" scribed onto them, and that is how you make sure it's a matched set.

I have only seen pinion depth variance stamped on D/S gears, never on any aftermarket ones. Start with the same shim thickness that came out. Sounds like your .686 is just for the matching set

The pinion has a serial number that matches the ring gear's, and then the 0.686" value (w/inch mark) below, where the cd is usually located. A call to Randy's may be in order. Didn't buy this set from them but they're usually helpful. I'm happy to start with the previous shims & get patterns. I just don't trust mysteries.

Will forward whatever I learn.

Dave

Originally posted by OneQuartLow
The pinion has a serial number that matches the ring gear's, and then the 0.686" value (w/inch mark) below, where the cd is usually located. A call to Randy's may be in order. Didn't buy this set from them but they're usually helpful. I'm happy to start with the previous shims & get patterns. I just don't trust mysteries.

Will forward whatever I learn.

Dave

is .686" stamped or engraved?

It's all engraved.

Try as I might, I couldn't make the "0.686" turn into a "1.686" It's definitely a big round thing.

NO. Only the pinion will have the variance marked on it. Both ring and pinion will have some random number like "686" scribed onto them, and that is how you make sure it's a matched set.

Old ass thread warning!!!

[Voice of Homer]Search is good[Homer/Voice]


I just bought a set of Dana Spicer 60 gears. The seller had many, all the same ratio and isn't really familiar with gears.
So I came here to find out how to make sure the match is correct.

Ring gear nomenclature;
10 0386 DANA D 32626 P8L22 37 6

Not included with the nomenclature is one larger font number,
"708"

Pinion nomenclature;
RJ DANA D2
35658
37 6 F4W21
Pinion head scribe, (arranged like this around the C/D face);
...+5
F........0
...708

I'd presume the majority of the stamped nomenclature is Brand, Date and Ratio.
The "708" makes the match

On a side note, the pinion was double stamped, as if it was stamped incorrectly the first time and run through the stamper a second time to correct the typo. There were two changes made to correct the numbers.
The "RJ" was changed from a "RP" and the "37 6" was changed from a "37 9", :laughing: someone couldn't count the pinion teeth.


My point is......Hooray for the Search!!!