I tried to post this on the Bench, but did'nt get but 1 reply, and did't really get enough info, so I going to try here. I am installing a Eaton posi unit in my GS, and when I tore down the rear end I noticed the smaller pinion bearing that contacts the crush sleeve had a slip fit, slides on and off the shaft pretty easy. The new bearing will not just slide on, even hitting it with a dead blow hammer. It seems to be a press fit like the bigger bearing on the other end. A guy at work said he thought it should be a slip fit so you can get the right reading when crushing the sleeve but the guy on the bench said it should be pressed on. I can't find anything on this in the books.. Thanks alot Robby :3gears:
Only the large (rear) pinion bearing is pressed on. The pinion should glide right through the small pinion bearing. Might ck which small pinion bearing you have. 8.2's used the M86649, while the 8.5's & 12 bolts used the M88048's. :3gears: Roger
the front bearing is a press fit also, have some one hold the back of the pinion while you use a punch and a hammer (on the inner race) and pound the bearing on against the race. then tap in the pinion seal,install the yoke and set your pinion preload to 18-25 inch pounds using a bar type torque wrench . turing the pinion with the torque wrench to see your reading
which rear end is it? i have done multiple 8.5's in various vehicles and the front pinion bearing just slips on pinion gear. the inner/rear bearing presses on. i have never done a 8.2 but have done a ford 9" and gm 9.5" in pick up trucks and none of those pressed on the outter bearing.
it is a 1972 gm 8.5 -10 bolt, I have 2 people say it presses on and 2 people say it slips on, I tend to think that it needs to be a slip fit to get a correct reading when you crush the sleeve and the old bearing was a slip fit. thanks robby
outer pinion bearing The outer(small pinion bearing) Does have a bit of a press fit....Nothing as tight as the inner. Here is the best way I know how to get the outer(small ) bearing onto the shaft with out ruining anything. Put the outer bearing in, then put your seal on with sealent on the outer edge of the metal to metal press fit area to prevent leaks. Now insert the pinion not to hard to push out the seal. lube up the yoke where it will meet the seal. Take the yoke and install it with out the washer first...(there should be enough room to get it started with at least 3 threads. impact it on till you can get enough room to remove and install the washer and the nut on then install it the rest of the way till you get to the crushing part. Crush the crush sleeve to your proper specs. Then I peen the nut so it will not back off. See if that helps you out on the deal. I have never run across a easy slip fit outer bearing unless it is whooped. Good luck with the build. Jim
