I do not have a pinion depth tool and really don't want to buy one for just one or two differential jobs.

I do have some calipers and a micrometer.

My question is: Exactly what dimensions have to be measured?

I know the distance is supposed to be measured from the head or end of the pinion but from there to where???

Is it the bottom of carrier bearing seat? The center line of the carrier?

I haven't had to set one up yet but I'll have a new carrier on the way tomorrow.

I figure if I know what is supposed to be measured I can get close and go from there.

 

Are you replacing the ring and pinion? If you are just replacing the carrier and it is a d35 usually you can get away with shiming exactly the way you found it.
Good luck!

 

I am replacing the carrier because some one had been into it before me, that knew less than me, and left so much slop in it, it beat the driverside bearing to death.

It looks like there is about 16 thousands of side to side play in it. I want to just slip the new carrier in and shim it up properly check for back lash and see what the pattern looks like.

If I have to get into the pinion I'd like to know what I'm supposed to be measuring.

 

bump

 

Did you pick up a master install kit? You really shouldnt reuse bearings and shims.

Have a FSM, it has a good section on a gear install. As well as Pirate4x4, Randy's R&P etc all have some good tech you could read.

I did my front D30 without a pinion depth gauge. Started with equal shim packs that were installed and adjusted from there.

 

I bought a loaded carrier so the bearings and shims and bolts come with it. I'm not confident it was set up correctly to begin with and if I have to adjust the pinion I'd just like to know what is supposed to be measured from where.

I do have the FSM and have don some research but I have not been able to find that one little bit of info.