Okay guys, I know the search is your friend, but NEWBS don't always know the correct nomenclature to zero in the search.. From searching pinion play, slop, etc etc.. I only found threads on everyone asking about how they can turn (right and left) their driveshaft, or flange, and there is play even with wheel son the ground, which we know is perfectly normal (to an extent)

I just bought used third members. Everything looked good in them, and I spun them.. they seemed nice and tight.. teeth wear looked normal, and no chips etc.. I did not notice until I got home that one of them has play forwards and backwards on the pinion itself.. meaning When I pull on the flange I get eh... 40 thousandths of play.. I assume this has happened because whoever setup the pinion/gears did not use the correct shims, or crushed them, who knows.. The pinion nut is tight. My old thirds, and the other used one I purchased are all solid in regards to this, absolutely zero play.

My question is.. Is this play going to cause a leak, or other catastrophic failures down the road?

 

Hi jcm----Just got your email and yes, it will result in total failure if you run it with "front to back" slop.....it might accelerate quiet but every time you let off on the gas it will make a loud rumble. The seal will likely leak also. If it's a crush sleeve, then it's just a simple matter of tightening the 30mm pinion nut til all the play is gone. But, of course, do not over-tighten it to the point that you cannot turn the pinion by hand. You just have to use good judgement is all I can say at this end of a keyboard.
If all else fails send it to me.

 

Thank you sir, i will see what I can do!

 

Zuk, I measured with a dial indicator and there is .013 play forward to back (my forty thou guess was way overstated). I vised up the 3rd, and with an 18 breaker bar got absolutely no where on taking the nut off.. I lightly heated it up in case there was red locktite used and I got no where..

Will .013 cause the same issues? This is going in the front of the truck. Any other techniques to getting the thing off.?

Thanks again, and do I just email you to get prices for your work, and estimated shipping costs etc?

JM