Pinion preload for Ford 8.8 stick car.
 

With new bearings is having the pinion preload at 12-15 in/lbs too light? This is without the seal installed yet, and a solid spacer. 25 in/lbs is what is recommended for a street gear with new bearings. Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks

Sean

Re: Pinion preload for Ford 8.8 stick car.
 

Sean,

my method for the pinion is to have almost no preload, just barely have the slack out. Never any problem in a wide range of applications and performance levels.

The side bearings will have slightly more preload, the shims will require a light, tap. tap, tap to install.

When completely assembled the gear set will be very easy to rotate.

Re: Pinion preload for Ford 8.8 stick car.
 

What Dragsinger said, if want to measure most rears factory spec is around 40'' lbs.
I usually go by feel like dragsinger a good example is have slight drag like front wheel does,as long as you have enough preload that you have no slack up& down you should be fine.
Mike Taylor 3601

Re: Pinion preload for Ford 8.8 stick car.
 

Thank you, Dragsinger, and Mike.

I am glad I asked.

Sean

Re: Pinion preload for Ford 8.8 stick car.
 

!2-15 inch lbs. is fine you absolutely have to have SOME preload on the bearings, without it the pinion is free to move. I try to get 20-35 in. lbs total turning torque on race rears. Joe

Re: Pinion preload for Ford 8.8 stick car.
 

You won't have to worry,Sean. After a few launches with a stick car,it'll be loose anyway

Re: Pinion preload for Ford 8.8 stick car.
 

Thanks Joe and Mark. Its done and back in the car.
Much better than what I saw with the gear set I replaced. All of the pinion teeth had stress fractures and were ready to let go!

Sean