Lowest fiction 9" Diff bearings

Woodfin · 06-15-2025, 02:43 PM

Fatman,

My Son and I have experimented with such things, including ceramic bearings. We did not see any measurable difference.

The key in my experience is a very light pre-load with both pinion and side bearings. With the pinion bearings, use a solid crush sleeve kit and select a shim stack that only provides slight pre-load. [it will mean taking it apart several times to sneak up on it.]

With the side bearings, use a spanner wrench so you can get a good feel for the clearance. Have each side just snug then go to the next hole that will catch the holding tabs.

Once the assembly is complete, it should be very easy to turn. It should be able to easily turn with the ring gear. Also, you will notice the car will be very easy to push.

06-15-2025, 02:43 PM	#3
Woodfin Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kilgore TX Posts: 539 Likes: 8 Liked 281 Times in 108 Posts	Re: Lowest fiction 9" Diff bearings Fatman, My Son and I have experimented with such things, including ceramic bearings. We did not see any measurable difference. The key in my experience is a very light pre-load with both pinion and side bearings. With the pinion bearings, use a solid crush sleeve kit and select a shim stack that only provides slight pre-load. [it will mean taking it apart several times to sneak up on it.] With the side bearings, use a spanner wrench so you can get a good feel for the clearance. Have each side just snug then go to the next hole that will catch the holding tabs. Once the assembly is complete, it should be very easy to turn. It should be able to easily turn with the ring gear. Also, you will notice the car will be very easy to push.