installing 3.73s..any tips in the set-up?
installing 3.73s..any tips in the set-up? Since I bracket race alot I want the set up to be right. The car is an A4 and I launch at 2,000 so it should not be too bad. I have all the good parts for install, ie Timpken bearings..any tips ie. backlash etc. would be appreciated..Thanks
start out with your stock shim behind the pinion. you normally don't need to adjust it but if you do it shouldn't be more than .004. You shouldn't need to adjust too much on your carrier shims either. if it's off try going .003-.004 at a time til it's right. Be careful with the carrier shims they are extremely easy to bend/smash when you're putting the carrier in. Make sure you do have your pinion torqued down properly before you measure backlash or you won't get a true reading. It takes a lot to crush the sleeve too, about 400-500 ft lbs of torque. I didn't have much room to do mine so I had to use my foot to get it to crush. And when you think you have it right, or you have problems, take a photo of the tooth pattern and post it here or send a PM to driveline solutions or some other shop to give you a final ok (if you're not 100% confident that is) But it really isn't that hard, just takes time and patience. a lot of guys fear it but you just have to torque things down properly and get your backlash and tooth pattern down and you'll be fine. Oh and when you pry out the carrier. I pried mine out from the driver's side on the ring bolts, be careful with this though cuz I put a couple dings in the housing, not bad but just be aware of it. And when you get it halfway out DO NOT start prying from inside the bearing, I did it once and screwed up the shims and bearing race. Be sure to seat the outer races fully for the pinion also. the bearing race/seal installation tool is ideal but the old races and a hammer work fine also. Locktite is your friend.
