rear pinion

billfish

Senior Member
I'm in the process of removing the driveshaft on my 1951 ford. I noticed some play- maybe 1/4 to 3/8 inch back and forth in the rear pinion. Is this something I should be concerned about. I'm in the process of replacing the rear universal joint and the pinion oil seal? Thanks for any advice.
 
I'd be concerned it's on tapered bearings. With that play it would surely bugger the oily bits quickly. Something's not right in there. I spec it's got rotational play and waggle aswell? Needs looking at, in my opinion.
Sorry
Martin.
 
It is difficult to say?? If the "play" you mentioned is the combined component contact and engagement clearances there is no problem. In other words, there is play and then there is PLAY.
 
It Don't sound right to, is the nut tight that holds U joint flang to the pinion. I cain't remember if there is a crush inside there. Walt
 
If it has side to side shake on the pinion then the bearings are giving up. If it is just rotational play, it would be a combination of gear backlash with the ring & pinion plus the spider gears & axle splines. It might be time to have a look in there just to see how things are checking out.
 
Jerry Ford man friend said it is common for the pinion nut to come loose. When I bought the 50 Ford recently I had a whine under compression I checked the nut it was not tight and had some radial clearence. I retightened the nut to ~ 100 ft lbs torque (staked it) and solved the problem. I also replaced the rear universal and trans mount, so much for my 25K mile pristine buy.
 
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