setting up the 7.5

[axisg]

How to set-up the ring and pinion on a 7.5. I have some slop between when you spin the pinion yoke and the wheels moving. Rarely under load and switching into gear I can hear a definate thunk.

So whaddya think, re-set the ring and pinion or new spider gears or both ? Rear makes no noise at all. Tried running it on the hoist and it was fine but I think with no load it wouldn't make noise anyways

thoughts ??

 

[MikeB]

You will hear a clunk even if the backlash is set properly (to around .008", as I recall). If the noise started recently, and it's not a bad u-joint, the problem is more than just an adjustment. No whine is a good sign, but you could have something else going on. I'd remove the side gears & spider gears to visibly inspect, and then pull the axles and drop the drive shaft. Also grab the pinion yoke and see if you can move it up and down or side to side. I'd then check backlash along with contact pattern. Also check for any signs of metal in the old gear lube.

Randy's Ring and Pinion sells a really good book on setting up rear ends, and you may be able to find some how-tos on the Internet. You'll need a dial indicator and magnetic base to check B/L, and some marking compound to check contact pattern. Here's some info on contact patterns: http://www2.dana.com/pdf/5717.PDF