For those of you who have knowledge of Ford 9" differentials................HELP! I am in a quandary here. Some history: I ordered a new 9" non-posi, 31 spline differential with 3.0 ratio (the old one was heading south.....quickly). Out of the box, turning the yoke required some effort (new gears, alignment to tight, no oil ?) I assumed this was probably pretty normal (the assumption may be my downfall) I removed the old, installed the new, slid the axles in and buttoned up the flange nuts (not too tight either) and tried turning each axle while car was off the ground. Took a lot of effort. They did not exactly spin freely (see above assumption). Filled the rear end with required amount of oil, let the car down and O-crap! While backing out of my driveway (turning left) the left axle locked. Well.......... I pulled back into the garage, jacked up the left side, released parking brake and shifted to neutral. Axle would not budge. I loosened the flange bolts all the way out and tugged on the axle, (I could have removed it then if I had wanted) still no movement!? Wheel bearings are in good shape (rollers) and were replaced recently. Any clues, ideas? My own conclusions is that the spyders are not right and causing one helluva a bind. I have not mentioned the Vendor, since they have not had a chance to respond yet. BTW.......the rear end is out of a 1975 F-100. Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated.
When you were turning your axle was the pinion turning? If it was what did it do when the pinion was locked ie in park or gear?
How much backlash was there? Could you feel any? If a pig is built with all new bearings etc... then it will be little snug, but the effort to twist should be measured in inch-pounds, so there should not be much effort to turn it. If it takes more than that then something is too tight. I'd back off the carrier bearings and see how mush tension is on just the pinion. If that turns smooth then reset the carrier bearings, and set it to about .010 backlash. They may just have too much preload on the side carriers.
Pinion was NOT turning. Car was in netutral e-brake off. Only left axle locked while making left turn backing out of my driveway (15ft). Rolled straight but with a lot of resistance.
Dave, I agree about the carrier being to tight. Left massage with Vendor Saturday. Should hear from them today. Will pull pig back out Wednesday and start over. I do NOT want to change settings because......... simply put, this is a screw up (with a major inconvenience for me) on their part.
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