H-I-J '76 Nova re-fit.

[Dissident]

Have really enjoyed following you and your daughter's build.

However, in the vernacular concerning the pinion...."That ain't right".

Best of luck on your adventures with the build.

Regards,
Dissident

[Alan Nyhus]

Todd, I haven't used a spacer or crush sleeve for decades. Some red Loctite on the pinion shaft where the front pinion bearing goes is what I do. Acetone or brake cleaner to degrease the pinion shaft and bearing race. -Al

[Hacksaw]

How does the large pinion bearing survive the load from the ring gear without the collar?

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Alan Nyhus

Todd, I haven't used a spacer or crush sleeve for decades. Some red Loctite on the pinion shaft where the front pinion bearing goes is what I do. Acetone or brake cleaner to degrease the pinion shaft and bearing race. -Al

Thank you Alan. I figured there would be an explanation being that everything looks to be in good shape. When I took it apart to instal the new yoke, the pinion nut was loctite'ed, seemed tight but I did notice the pinion spun with very little resistance.

[Dwight Southerland]

Using red Loctite as Alan described is very effective.

If you are anticipating "field work", i.e. changing ring and pinions at the track, a fitted sleeve spacer makes for quick service. Sand the pinion where the large bearing fits to make it easy to remove and install the bearing on the new pinion using a brass drift and hammer. I have prepared by fitting everything in the shop and been able to change ratios in a 12 bolt at the track in 30 minutes. (Wear gloves! The pieces are awfully hot after a run.)

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Dwight Southerland

Using red Loctite as Alan described is very effective.

If you are anticipating "field work", i.e. changing ring and pinions at the track, a fitted sleeve spacer makes for quick service. Sand the pinion where the large bearing fits to make it easy to remove and install the bearing on the new pinion using a brass drift and hammer. I have prepared by fitting everything in the shop and been able to change ratios in a 12 bolt at the track in 30 minutes. (Wear gloves! The pieces are awfully hot after a run.)

Thank you Dwight.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Couldn't resist at least getting started, so I had the subframe blasted today. Gonna maybe squeak in a little quality car time this holiday weekend.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Had to spend some time today cleaning, what a mess. We got to it though and got everything off the firewall, dash is all apart, pedals out, headliner out, wiring is gone. Started pulling the guts out of the doors too, we'll get some more done this weekend.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

U-joints are pressed out, ball joints are pressed out, CalTracs torn down, leaf springs torn down. Off to powdercoat.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Started the day dragging more parts to the loft. Pulled the fenders apart, window trim off and started removing windows and doors.