Experience with ratech pinion depth tool??
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Experience with ratech pinion depth tool?? Looking to change gears in a strange s60 and seen this tool for checking pinion depth. Curious if anyone has used this and could give feedback.
Last edited by Dwalt79; Dec 5, 2017 at 04:13 PM. Reason: Spelling
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
I have never seen one like that. I had to look it up.... Very interesting, Not sure I would trust a Dial/Vernier/Digital Caliper for this. I have a T&D Machine pinion depth tool.
The problem I run into has nothing to do with pinion depth gauges, The problem is.....Not every manufacturer stencils the check/installed height on the pinion head.
Nominal Measured Dana 60 Pinion Depth is 3.125", Not that this means much with all the different pinions out there......I tore down a Dana 60 Super the other day to harvest the 3.73 R&P & the measured pinion depth was 3.155"
BUT.....The pinion head thickness was 1.843" which comes out to 4.998" MHD
The Dana 60 MASTER HOUSING DEPTH is 5.000".....So it was actually within .002"
If the pinion head is not marked.....Shoot for 5.000" MHD (Measured pinion depth + pinion head thickness), Then check the pattern.
The following is just an opinion formed over years of rebuilding differentials.....
The BEST ring & pinion gear set is a USED set! 3.54, 3.73, 4.10 Dana 60 sets are easy to find.
They will be fully burnished/broke-in.....No waiting 200 miles to beat on it, The R&P won't shed metal into the gear oil, No early gear oil change, & Less chance of R&P tooth breakage because the "seasoning" & "burnishing" of the contact areas.
The problem I run into has nothing to do with pinion depth gauges, The problem is.....Not every manufacturer stencils the check/installed height on the pinion head.
Nominal Measured Dana 60 Pinion Depth is 3.125", Not that this means much with all the different pinions out there......I tore down a Dana 60 Super the other day to harvest the 3.73 R&P & the measured pinion depth was 3.155"
BUT.....The pinion head thickness was 1.843" which comes out to 4.998" MHD
The Dana 60 MASTER HOUSING DEPTH is 5.000".....So it was actually within .002"
If the pinion head is not marked.....Shoot for 5.000" MHD (Measured pinion depth + pinion head thickness), Then check the pattern.
The following is just an opinion formed over years of rebuilding differentials.....
The BEST ring & pinion gear set is a USED set! 3.54, 3.73, 4.10 Dana 60 sets are easy to find.
They will be fully burnished/broke-in.....No waiting 200 miles to beat on it, The R&P won't shed metal into the gear oil, No early gear oil change, & Less chance of R&P tooth breakage because the "seasoning" & "burnishing" of the contact areas.
Last edited by clinebarger; Dec 6, 2017 at 12:59 AM.
^^^that. I have a couple varieties of pinion depth tools and all they do is put you in the 'ballpark',sometimes not even close to the required pinion shim. Gear marking compound is your final guide.
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That's what I was hoping for an inexpensive tool to get me in close and go from there
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On The Tree
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I'm proof of this I've only set 2 rear ends in my life and they are both working as intended. All I needed was some guidance which I got from 01ssreda4/FirstYrLS1Z regarding pattern position. I started with stock OEM pinion shim which wasn't on the ball park but I knew if it was either too far or too close. after knowing what's too far and too close you have a range that you know you can work with and get it smack in the middle. I will say though 5 cut gears felt easier for me. Something with that slanted pattern on 2 cut gears that just makes me shiver.
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Fanatic
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
When building a Dana using genuine Dana-Spicer gear sets......Starting at the MHD will get you really close.