This is for a Toy 8 inch, but the questions should apply to any diff...

1) Has anyone tried using a cheapo method for setting the pinion preload WITHOUT an inch-pound wrench? I'm thinking something like a fish scale, hooked to the flange, start pulling tangentially until the pinion moves, measure the force (F), measure the exact radial distance (r), calculate the torque (F)(r)=(T)? This seems like it would be accurate enough, and much cheaper. Any problems with this I'm not seeing?

2) Can I install the chunk in the housing and run it with the wheels in the air WITHOUT gear oil, for like 30 seconds at idle, just to see if there is noise? Will this little bit of movement cause damage? OR, can I manually spin the tires a few dozen roatations quickly to hear this (driveshaft disconnected)? Last time I setup gears, they looked and sounded fine on the bench, but once I buttoned everything back up, they howled. It's a pain to tear everything down again (drain the oil, break the seal, etc).

Thanks all...

Originally posted by Pazuzu
This is for a Toy 8 inch, but the questions should apply to any diff...

1) Has anyone tried using a cheapo method for setting the pinion preload WITHOUT an inch-pound wrench? I'm thinking something like a fish scale, hooked to the flange, start pulling tangentially until the pinion moves, measure the force (F), measure the exact radial distance (r), calculate the torque (F)(r)=(T)? This seems like it would be accurate enough, and much cheaper. Any problems with this I'm not seeing?

I guess this would work. I don't know about over on the right coast, but here on the left coast there are parts shpops that will let you rent tools for free as long as you can provide a deposit.

2) Can I install the chunk in the housing and run it with the wheels in the air WITHOUT gear oil, for like 30 seconds at idle, just to see if there is noise? Will this little bit of movement cause damage? OR, can I manually spin the tires a few dozen roatations quickly to hear this (driveshaft disconnected)? Last time I setup gears, they looked and sounded fine on the bench, but once I buttoned everything back up, they howled. It's a pain to tear everything down again (drain the oil, break the seal, etc).

Thanks all...

I don't know if this would work too well as there would be no load adn I've never had a problem w/ noise w/ no load.

Originally posted by JeepinIan

I guess this would work. I don't know about over on the right coast, but here on the left coast there are parts shpops that will let you rent tools for free as long as you can provide a deposit.
Have ou seen inch-pound wrenches for rent? Mabe I'm just not looking hard enough...


I don't know if this would work too well as there would be no load adn I've never had a problem w/ noise w/ no load.
Makes sense.

Originally posted by JeepinIan


I guess this would work. I don't know about over on the right coast, but here on the left coast there are parts shpops that will let you rent tools for free as long as you can provide a deposit.



Being in FL wouldn't that make you on the Right coast???:flipoff2::D

Originally posted by Supergper


Being in FL wouldn't that make you on the Right coast???:flipoff2::D
Yeah, I guess I don't know my left from right.

Have ou seen inch-pound wrenches for rent? Mabe I'm just not looking hard enough...

I own one of these, so I never had to loo to rent one.