So I just got my axle back from a shop here in Denver who installed my 5.13's and ARB in my HP 44. Pinion seamed to spin just fine when I got it back. I then installed the shafts and spindle. Tightened the spindle down, and once I did that Its super tight to spin the yoke and even turn the gears now. Takes a little force, then gets a little easier once it starts going around, then tightens back up. (This is turning by hand) If you put a socket and breaker bar on the yoke it turns a little easier. I have all new bearing in the spindle, and in the axle. Is this normal? gears and ARB are brand new, so Im thinking that maybe just because everything is brand new and not broken in yet (and dosent have fluid in it) or the ring has a nice thick coat of paint on it which is causing it to be tight. Is this all normal for a brand new axle or no?

 

Is it fully assembled? Did u maybe over tighten your outer bearing retainers?