Pinion yoke nut; 8 3/4; 489 cast...

[69XP383]

I'm putting on the last bolt for a gasket and seal rebuild for my 8 3/4 rear with 3.23 gears. Some time ago another member (John Kunkel) told me to punch marks for alignment to avoid crush sleeve problems later after assembly. Thanks John. good advice, and everything went back together the same.

Short of not having any gear oil in the housing yet, I'm just double checking on the free play for the axles and yoke.

It seems that after tightening the yoke nut as told prior, I still have to use a bit of force to get the axles to turn (axle is on saw horses, wheels and tires off). I checked and double checked axleshaft end play when installing the axles and all seems perfect. It's not horrible, but I'm used to GM axles that will turn if you sneeze to close to them.

Is this "tight" freeplay normal? Specs for the yoke nut are 170lbs or 250lbs of torque depending pinion spline, and I'm only worried that it is to tight or there is an underlying issue with it being so hard to turn freely by hand. I'm probably close to 170lbs of torque, but the marks I made on the end of the pinion thread, the nut, and yoke are already lined up and I dont want to over-tighten the nut and destroy something now or later after it is installed. Any help? 

[firefighter3931]

My freshly rebuilt Dana was hard to turn over until the gear oil was added.....much easier to rotate now. 

Throw some lube in it and see if that helps.....my guess is that it will. 

Don't forget the friction modifier if it's a sure grip.



Ron

[69XP383]

Thanks Ron,

By friction modifier, so you mean something along the lines like the Lucas brand gear/oil stabilizer?

[resq302]

No, Ron means sure grip or limited slip additive.  Also referred to as "whale oil" by some.

[firefighter3931]

No, Ron means sure grip or limited slip additive.  Also referred to as "whale oil" by some.

Exactly....the whale oil is available at the Chrysler dealership. 



Ron

[tecmopar]

AND IT IS THE STINKYEST SH*T IN THE WORLD, HA HA.

[71superbee]

The stuff doesn't smell as bad as it used to. Chrysler superseded the part # and it's not as bad. 4318060AB suggested retail price is 7.22 from your local Mopar dealer

[69XP383]

Whale oil is in, gear oil is in, nut is tight, axles are still a little stiff, but it was like that when I took em' apart. The wheels turn, so I guess that is all that matters for now.

I had to get the axle back on so I could roll the car, I go into surgery tomorrow, and while I'm recovering I don't messing with the car while it is on stands.

As usual, thanks for all the help and advice. I'll try to post a picture or two as a thanks to all who have helped me get to car to where it is so far....

[firefighter3931]

Good luck with your surgery....hope all goes well. 

I'm sure the axles are fine ! 



Ron

[resq302]

Speedy recovery from the surgery and be sure to take all the time you need to heal.  I had a hernia surgery and sneezed shortly after the surgery.  I would have sworn I ripped out all of my stitches but they didnt.  Biggest pain I ever felt in my life.