8" 4cyl diff. FSM says 16-22inch pounds with new bearings and the instructions that came with my new Motive Gear 4.88's say 25 inch pounds with new bearings. I set it up with a solid collar and got 20-22 inch pounds rotating, then I assemble the rest of the third .0094 B.L. and some good carrier bearing preload. This results in about 35-37 inch pounds overall preload, it feels way too tight to me with my limited experience. What should overall preload be on a good setup?

 

I like my pinion preload @ 16 in#s
.007 backlash
125 ft#s on the carrier preload
Just make sure your pattern is spot on.

I'm running a v-6 3rd with 4:88s

 

 

I would leave it alone as far as the pinion preload goes. its always gonna be higher when you install the carrier. measurement is without it.