I am in the process of changing my differential bearings (2x pinion bearings, 2x carrier bearings). I have everything apart and found the issue is with the inner pinion bearing thats pressed on the Pinion shaft. Major pitting and damage to the race. I went ahead and ordered a new rebuild kit from summit racing and now that Im to the point of installation, I have found that the new bearings and races are different dimensions than the damaged originals. I was hoping that all the bearings and races would be exact same sizes to make setting my pinion depth a little easier using the pinion shim already installed. I checked the pattern and backlash prior to disassembly and all looked fairly good. .

Should I return this kit and get same bearings to make this easier or should I use what they sent me and adjust the pinion depth? The kit is for my truck and it appears that the parts can be installed in my rear end but Im not sure how much it will throw off my depth. Im assuming if I use the new bearings/races, I will have to install the pinion and remove a few times in order to acheive good depth. this sucks as I only have one crush sleeve and the bearing is pressed. I cant hone the old bearing for ease of install/disassembly because they are 2 different sizes (height). What would you guys advise I do? Buy a couple crush sleeves and trial and error?

I am doing this job to learn and Im not going to take it to a shop. I am going slow and want to get everything right, not rushing it. Want to get depth, backlash and patter correct. Any help is appreciated!

 

I have read several articles on setting the pinion depth using 1:1 replacement bearings, but all the articles never mention what to do if the new bearings are a bit different.

 

Buy the right parts.

 

thx captain obvious.. 🤣🤣

It appears as though my rear end has been rebuilt previously, how do I know what came in there originally? The kit I ordered from Summit was supposed to be correct for my 9.75..

 

I would go to the dealer and buy the factory parts and return those others. At least you can compare the bearings.

 

After looking at the new bearings and races I have found that the total thickness is the same as the old bearings and races. However the bearings are thicker and the races are thinner which means that the total distance shouldn’t be affected if I’m not wrong does this make sense to everybody should I be good to go?

 

You should be ok, use the shim from under the old pinion bearing, set it up and double check backlash.

 

Is this an acceptable pattern? My backlash is at 11 thousandths, spec says 8-12. I have 20in lb of rotational force on the pinion nut. Think im good to go??

 

Looks good to me!