Archived pinion side play

[jaybo]

Upon changing my dana 70 (rear) gear lube I noticed a moderate leak from front pinion seal. Grabbing the u-joint I notice about . 010 lateral play in the pinion shaft. Bearings are obviously out of adjustment and seal is shot. Nothing but fines in the old lube but have noticed faint groan upon braking to stop. Prognosis please?! Joe Donnelly: can you recommend someone near me (San Jose area) who actually knows how to rebuild a differential?? Jay Bennett

 

[C Schomer]

It shouldn't have any play. You can try retorqueing the pinion nut to see if it loosened up. I don't know about the 70, but my 80 calls for 20-40 rolling in/lbs of pinion preload - new bearings. Better check your carrier brgs. too. You can try brgs. and reshim if the gears look good - then check the contact pattern. Craig

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Better get it apart to check it out. I don't know if Blair Pine has done diffs but I could talk him through it over the phone.

 

[jaybo]

I've got a local guy looking for a Dana 80... Any caveats on changing the 70 to an 80 in my '99 auto? Driveshaft lengths?

Speed sensors? Wheels and brakes?? Anti sway bar clearance with MagHytec cover?