MudHippy

Maybe? And, yes. Check them and reset them if necessary. Pinion bearing preload, carrier bearing preload, ring gear backlash.

IMO, those are some nice looking gears. I'll be surprised if you find them or the rest of the 3rd member too much out of specs. I mean it'll probably need/could use adjustments to all of the bearing PLs and BL, but not likely by a whole lot. Unless there's a shot bearing(s) or something that needs replaced first, it's an easy fix.

BTW, the pinion seal is held in by it's own by tension/friction against the 3rd member housing. Not the preload of the pinion nut.

vasinvictor

iTrader: (3)

Thanks. You're such a knowledgeable dude. That 3rd member is the one I considered the worst of the two. When I turn the pinion flange back and forth it has a little more backlash (correct term?) than the one I'm going to put in it. (out of my '94) Also, the one pictured (out of my 92) makes a metallic chunk chunk sound when turning pinion flange back and forth. The "new" one (out of the 94) makes a soft click click sound. Sounds better to me.

ChefYota4x4

iTrader: (5)

Can't wait for you to have it buttoned up and drivin! You better do a video drive by, k? lol.

ChefYota4x4

iTrader: (5)

Thanks, MH, .....I didn't mean it would fall out or leak if the nut wasn't sealed up to the right torque... I mentioned it cuz of hearing "I blew up my rear end cuz the pinion nut was way too tight/loose", ...stuff like that, lol..Not even sure how all that works, yet, ...learning, ...

See?>> Knew you'd get a good solid "what's what", sooner than later, Victor. lol

breezernate

I used my floor jack under the pinion area to gently lift the 3rd member and get it to break free. Gently.

Nate

vasinvictor

iTrader: (3)

Thanks bro. Figured it out a couple years back...

breezernate

Yeah, I know. Gotta get my posts up, yah know. I'm a newbie. Perhaps someone else will benefit?

Nate