[novadude]

Any real need to check pinion depth when just replacing bearings and putting the rear end back together with a stock ring and pinion? I realize I will need a new crush sleeve and that the pinion bearing preload will need to be right. Any reason to believe that the stock pinion shim would need changed if the OEM set-up is running OK now?

Installing a posi, and figured that it would be a good time to replace the original bearings. No noise or other problems with stock set-up.

Thanks.

 

[SS396-67]

Maybe not with the pinion depth, but you should measure the backlash and pattern with a new carrier.

 

[blumont]

I can't say for sure but when I set up my 12 bolt,with BGH'S help of course, the pattern changed quite a bit. I tried using the old bearing honed out for the trial fitting. When I got the pattern right i pressed on the new bearing and the pattern was off.
For sure I would check pattern before you remove the gears and then compare after the new bearings are installed.

 

[tlowe]

yes the depth will change. i never use a depth tool. put it together as Blumont said and recheck it. you may have to adjust the backlash and pinion depth. tom