Glad you got the spreader tool sorted out.
If I do this again, I'll make some changes. One of the bolts started stretching the threads out.Sounds like you got the preload on the carrier bearings tightened up just right and reduced the backlash at the same time. Good job!!!
I'm not sure actually. I need to find out where to get the solid spacers. I'd like to find a 0.100" precision spacer. Then I could make further adjustments that would make it perfect. The spacers installed are 0.128" and 0.123" thick. I think that would ease up some of the preload, and close the 0.006 clearance between the gears. I could add some more shims back in to get it exactly right.Book says carrier should be (3.9-6.6 in. lbs.) resistance to turning with the correct preload.
Did you measure the ring & gear backlash after all the shim changes/additions? What average did you end up with around the gear?
In the end, I still have 0.006" clearance between gears.What about preload on the pinion bearings, they should have a small amount (15-25 in. lbs.) torque to rotate as well. Just sight resistance to turning by hand.
The pinion shaft seems good enough. I'm not going to touch it.Book says the whole assembly should end up around (15-25 in. lbs.) + (3.9-6.6 in. lbs.) tot.
Used bearings will always be on the low side vs new ones, so if you end up with a total assembly torque to rotate value of a little over 20 in. lbs. you should be good to go.
It takes about 25 inch-pounds to get it moving, but then rotates effortlessly. I did squirt some clean transmission fluid on the bearings and it helped some. The initial torque to overcome standing friction bothers me.I use a 1/4" drive in. lbs. torque wrench to test the rotational torque by adding a 1/4 to 3/8 to 1/2" adapters to the pinion nut socket. (driveshaft disconnected)
While in there, I would also paint some of the teeth on the ring gear and check the contact pattern in both directions just because you are staring at it.
I always paint and check'em in both drive and coast just to make sure it is correct and there is not going to be a lot of noise or unnecessary wear.
I'm not going to bother with that. If it howls a little, I won't care. If it howls a lot, then I'll care.Since all your pinion parts were already in place, yours will probably be a perfect pattern.
Thanks for the help.
Dean.