Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Gear Pattern Check?

BathiasRei

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Oct 30, 2024
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Hope its going well and apologizes for starting another thread

from suggestion in the previous thread (https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/dana-35-gear-rebuild-advice.88641/), I have successfully done a minor overhaul of my dana 35 with new bearings and races, reusing the old shims. Currently I believe I may have over tightened my pinion by an 8th turn as my preload is at roughly 22-24 ish when I turn the pinion counter clockwise but comes down to about 20-21ish when I turn it clockwise. I'm unsure if this is maybe due to my adapters for my beam wrench being kinda loose and old but my backlash came out to about 6.5 thou...

Wondering if, 1. I need to try again with a new crush sleeve or if I can run this backlash 2. am I using too much compound? 3. Not sure if I am pressing hard enough on the carrier while spinning the pinion since I'm doing all of this under the jeep on my back.

Thank you in advance!
- Rei

Gear Patterns:

IMG_4130.jpeg


IMG_4131.jpeg


IMG_4132.jpeg


IMG_4133.jpeg
 
So you just replaced bearings in your new to you 3.73 axles?

Yes you need to do something with your gear paint that probably involves more gear oil...I'd love to find an exact and repeatable formula. And more pressure on the ring gear as you make the pattern.

-Mac
 
So you just replaced bearings in your new to you 3.73 axles?

Yes you need to do something with your gear paint that probably involves more gear oil...I'd love to find an exact and repeatable formula. And more pressure on the ring gear as you make the pattern.

-Mac

Yep just the bearings on the new 3.73 dana 35, I'll try a new pattern diluted with oil tmrw and try to get a better grip on the carrier
 
If you just replaced the bearings you're probably just fine. I'd send it. But let's wait for a more experienced opinion.

-Mac

Thank you for the insight mr mac, hopefully I can just send it since I didn't get alot of compound in this kit... I'm also wondering do I need to break in these bearings as if I had a new ring and pinion or if I can just drive the jeep like normal?
 
So you just replaced bearings in your new to you 3.73 axles?

Yes you need to do something with your gear paint that probably involves more gear oil...I'd love to find an exact and repeatable formula. And more pressure on the ring gear as you make the pattern.

-Mac

He doesn't need more gear oil in the compound, that's plenty.
 
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Hope its going well and apologizes for starting another thread

from suggestion in the previous thread (https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/dana-35-gear-rebuild-advice.88641/), I have successfully done a minor overhaul of my dana 35 with new bearings and races, reusing the old shims. Currently I believe I may have over tightened my pinion by an 8th turn as my preload is at roughly 22-24 ish when I turn the pinion counter clockwise but comes down to about 20-21ish when I turn it clockwise. I'm unsure if this is maybe due to my adapters for my beam wrench being kinda loose and old but my backlash came out to about 6.5 thou...

Wondering if, 1. I need to try again with a new crush sleeve or if I can run this backlash 2. am I using too much compound? 3. Not sure if I am pressing hard enough on the carrier while spinning the pinion since I'm doing all of this under the jeep on my back.

Thank you in advance!
- Rei

Gear Patterns:

View attachment 666658

View attachment 666659

View attachment 666660

View attachment 666661

Tell us why you think you need to run a pattern? Do you not remember the previous thread? Your pinion was loose, so you couldn't run a usable pattern. Secondly, all you are doing is changing the bearings and nothing else. Lastly, they are used gears, even if you thought you could get a better pattern it doesn't matter as they are already work hardened and worn down. You are simply trying to extend whatever life you can get out of this axle. Pretty much a wing and a prayer at this point.
 
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Tell us why you think you need to run a pattern? Do you not remember the previous thread? Your pinion was loose, so you couldn't run a usable pattern. Secondly, all you are doing is changing the bearings and nothing else. Lastly, they are used gears, even if you thought you could get a better pattern it doesn't matter as they are already work hardened and worn down. You are simply trying to extend whatever life you can get out of this axle. Pretty much a wing and a prayer at this point.

Sounds good, thank you again for the insight. Your Dana 35 rebuild video really helped me out! fingers crossed and prayers sent.
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator