I installed a Richmond gear set and Eaton posi about 5 years ago in my 12 bolt. Since then I have put on about 1-2,000 miles on it. Recently I had to take a measurement for a new driveshaft and noticed that the pinion yoke can move without any effort as if there is no preload. When I installed the gears I believe I set it up properly with 15 in/lb or whatever the Richmond instructions were. I used locktite on the nut too. When I install my new yoke should I set the preload as if the gears were new or should I use a lower torque?

If you used loctite and had proper pinion preload crush, maybe the inner pinion bearing wasn't fully seated? It happens and to confirm this, your pinion height and backlash would have changed. I would double check to be safe. Yes, I know it is a pain but, it might save your differential.

On all performance differental rebuilds, we use a solid pinion bearing spacer. Richmond offers two in their product line, one with shims and one that needs to be machined without shims to achieve proper bearing pre-load.

Personally, whatever spacer you use, I would replace it. A loose pinion is sure to destroy a gearset over time.

Take note, I never said anything about saving your "rear", I always stated your "differental"!

Regards, Jody

When setting the pinion bearing preload with new bearings it should be set to about 19 to 22 inch pounds. If you use used bearings then it should be set to about 10 to 15 inch pounds. As the bearings break in they will loosen up. If you set new bearings to 15 inch pounds then they may be around 3 to 5 inch pounds now because of normal wear. If you decide to set the preload again I wouild just set it to around 10 to 12 inch pounds. You should be able to use the same spacer and a new nut with no problems. If you decide not to reset the preload then just torque the nut between 150 and 200 foot pounds. Use Lock Tight on the threads again. Be sure to use some sealant in the splines of the new yoke.

I definitely used Locktite and set the preload. Thanks for the good advice. I will put it to use next week.