TnTrk53

'01 5.3 3.73/1 single can't hook-up.
have ring&pinnon,auburn in box.
what do I need to watch for?
20,k on trk will shims be the same?
limited mech.skills & tools.
advise requested. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" />

Hotrodchevy

To do it correctly, you need to check the pinion depth which requires specialized tools. But since we do the crap in our garage, we probably don't have one. A rule of thumb is to install the same size shim that is under the rear pinion bearing and install it on the new pinion. If you have a press remove the old bearing and reuse the shim. Of course you have to press on the new bearing and both carrier brgs. You can reuse the front pinion brg if you are running short on the bucks. New seal and new crush collar. Lock tite the ring gear bolts. Install the pinion with new collar and adjust the pinion preload. Impact wrench works just don't tighten to quick. Hold the pinion from the rear (inside the housing) with a rag. Tighten the nut and take out all the slack. Pinion should not wiggle up and down. Check the preload by turning the pinion. Should not spin completely free. This is done by feel and hard to explain. The spec I think is something like 20 inch/lbs. It shouldn't spin to hard or too easy. Sure that helps ya. You can tighten it later and I would check it for wiggle after a 100 miles or so. Install the carrier using the same side shims. If it drops in like a $5.00 hooker than you need a bigger shim on one side. This is a starting point because you need to check backlash. Get a dial indicator because you can't do this by feel unless you are an expert. Adjust the shims on the side to increase or decrease backlash and so that the carrier has to be coaxed a little to get into the housing (remember the $5.00 thing). A lead hammer ar plastic dead blow should be used to coax or a piece of wood and hammer. You may need a n assortment of shims unless you are lucky and the auburn unit is dead on. Youe library probably has a book on this. Repair manual. Don't you have 15 years worth of Super Chevy, Hot Rod, Car Craft, Popular Hot Rodding? Hope you understand all this.......... <img border="0" alt="[Pontiac]" title="" src="graemlins/formula.gif" />

TnTrk53

Thanks for the response'I did a print-out
of your instructions,memory is not my strong-
suit,I will be starting this project this
week and hope to get times at test&tune thurs..
many fast passes to you Hotrodchevy <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />
Jim