Yeah x3 ***k doin the bearings. Allthough I set up my rear myself with 4.56s ... the only way its risky is if you're not all that mechanically inclined past direct bolt in processes like brake pads, a shackle and water pumps, this process involves minuscule shimming adjustments and measurements to .001" pull apart, put back together and check it, pull apart put back together etc. Along with some special tools... if your capable then go for it. I useta run and setup machines at a precision machine shop, its easy but it does take a bit of skill and a lot of patience Don't spend too much $ on an 8.8... it'll be fine as long as ya don't beat it, then if it goes 2yrs down the road bolt up a 9.75 from an expy and have a LS with 3.73s in it
the pinion bearing had some play in it and with all the metal shavings that were in there I'd rather do it...I do have access to the special tools an since I have all the tools and someone with the knowledge that's willing to help me why turn it down??? spider gear kit from ford was $130 that'll b here tomorrow,but the master bearing kit I ordered might be in on mon-tues.. . I believe it was around $250 all together. $250 and my time( if all is done right ) insures you have a reliable rear end for awhile or I could have bought a used one for $200 witch could end me up in the same position 2months from now..
well we fixed it last night took the spider gears out of a parts 87 f150 truck we had laying around. gears where identical. and tightened the pinion up and now no play now
yep from like a 87-03 you could even change the rearend out and just put the 97-03 axles in it to keep the 5x135 bolt pattern
Yeah good choice! That pinion should be like 15-19 inch lbs of preload... too tight and the bearing can get hot and fail... that's 15-19 ichlbs of drag while rotating the pinion not tightening the nut that spec is for a new bearing, its a slight bit less for a used one.. like 6-10 or something Edit: pinion bearing preload, inch lbs Ford 8.8: new 13-19 used 6-8 Ford 9.75: new 15-19 used 6-8 It is also a good idea to make sure you hit the crush sleeve enough to keep pressure on the pinion nut, if you didn't you will lose preload again and again. Everytime you lose preload you are supposed to install a new sleeve but if you feel the old one bottom out and you get proper preload with a little extra crush you should be ok... it is a good idea to peen a couple threads on the nut to lock it
