Andrew16v

Hello folks, Recently my rear axle end u-joint blew apart and f'd up my DS and axle yokes. Tom Woods is fixing the axle and I need to put a new yoke on the axle side now. I figured I'd do the seal while I'm at it as well, so I ordered the parts and they're here. I turned to youtube and watched several videos on how to change the seal and I understand to mark the nut and yoke and count the threads so when I reassemble I won't mess with the preload. NOW, that seems pretty straight forward if I was just replacing the seal. But now that I'm replacing the Yoke, I'm concerned that maybe the new yoke might be a tiny bit smaller or larger even just a couple of thousands off and mess with the preload. Is this a valid concern because I don't want to mess anything up that might cause wear in the gears or pinion. If anyone can weigh in on my thoughts I'd appreciate it.
Thanks
Andrew

SeriousOffroad

You tell us what axle.

Andrew16v

8.25 sorry, figured it was under my specs.

Edited to say damn your jeep is sick!

DFlintstone

Did you look in the FSM? I thought I saw something about measuring the preload first, changing, (this was for the seal), then adjusting to the original preload. Pretty sure you don't want to further crush the washer and change the pinyon/lash.

SeriousOffroad

Andrew16v
Thanks.
You're on the right track. Mark it well and you'll be fine.

DFlintstone,
The only way to properly measure the preload is to measure it with the carrier removed. Not a good idea if you don't have the tools and knowledge to re-install it.

DFlintstone

Well.....I did indeed check the FSM for the rear of my 90. Maybe going new to an actual spec the carriage needs to be out. When just taking a reference reading to service the seal, they explain doing it with it all together. Suppose the idea is that since you are just matching to your prior reading, whatever extra resistance is...well, the same. Glad it's not my issue...today!