getin ready to swap out carriers in a 8.25. how do i set the backlash on it?

 

that is a tough one to explain. you may want to get a book or something.

 

i do turn wrenches for a living...so if you can put it out there...or should i just go buy a book?

 

as easy as i can explain it and how i have done it. i assume new bearings on the carrier and the pinion. paint the ring and pinion gear with what ever paint you have in a can. add or remove shims until the pinion gear tooth is in the center on the ring gear tooth. when you roll the pinion it will rub the paint off the ring gear showing you the contact area. too deep and you will wear out quick and cause excess load. to shallow and you will break teeth off.

 

that's setting up the gear pattern (ie, pinion depth shimming), backlash is when you set the carrier/ring gear distance from the pinion (shimming the carrier side to side). get one of those micro dials and you may need a bearing puller (if i'm not mistaken about the 8.25).

-remove old carrier
-remove bearings & shims from old carrier & place onto new carrier on the same sides as the were (usually a good starting point)
-re-install carrier
-measure backlash with dial going to one of the ring gear teeth
-too much backlash, add shims to push the ring gear towards the pinion, too little backlash & add shims to push ring gear away from pinion.
-after that, pack a few more shims on both sides (for a tighter fit)

 

1. Get a dial indicator, you will not be able to do it without one.
2. Tighten the nut until there is little play
3. Set it up so the probe is on the pinion shaft and zero it with the shaft pulled out to the end of play.
4. Pull the pinion in and out, this is your gear lash. You want .007"-.015" I believe. If I'm wrong someone will hopefully chime in.

After you get the major slop out only tighten the nut a little bit at a time so you don't kill the crush sleeve.

 

To the OP,
I'll send you the correct info via PM.

 

That is completely wrong. Backlash is the amount of play on the contact between the ring gear teeth and the pinion teeth. I believe your thinking of the pinion bearing preload when you crush the crush sleeve.
To the OP follow what SeriousOffroad is going to PM you