Several basic novice questions - I understand the crush sleeve posiioning, but how do you get the correct preload on the brearing races? Are the sleeves designed to crush easier than the pressure you need on the bearing/race relationship?

Another one - the front bearing fell out when I pulled the rear end apart - the new pinion appears to be an interfearence fit with both the old and new bearings. I know some GM 10 bolts need the front bearing tapped on once the pinion is in - my 79 Olds manual shows that along with an installation tool to hold the pinion (of course).

And another - the gap between the yoke and front bearing appears to be too wide??? :confused: I am your basic first timer with some machine tool maintenance experience. Maybe BigGearHead can chine in. Thanks. graemlins/clonk.gif

Now correct me if I'm wrong guys, But this is how I tightened my pinion nut. I tighened it until all the play was gone by occassionally shaking the yoke, Then I read that the nut should be tightened to 5 to 8 pounds of torque. Make sure you replace the nut that holds the Yoke (Pinion) Its one of those self locking nuts and its not good after you un losten it. I haven't had any problems and the info that I got seemed to work just fine. I have to admit I was kind of worried about over tightening, I didn't want to smoke the bearing, But its just fine. :D

I do not use the crush sleeve. This is as per Tom @ Tom's Diff. Tighten the nut to achieve the desired drag. I use an old nut for set up and after everything is going back for the final time I use red Loctite #262. I have never had a problem. Tom does not see a need for the crush sleeve and that is good enough for me.