VonCramp
Well-Known Member
After finally sorting out my axle problems with the new green bearings and the genius mechanic that put them on wrong, I found out **** can get worse. The other super-genius that did my third member didn't bother tightening the pinion or something to that effect. After hearing a whirring noise as I drove my car to the backyard from my driveway I became suspicious of the quality of work that had been done on the third member. I put the car on stands to start sorting things out. I started reinstalling the axles after getting that bearing/flange mess fixed. I started on my driver's side axle. As I spun the axle around to access the five flange studs, I noticed the rear was getting worse and worse feeling. Just as I did a final spin to check all of the studs the rear makes a clunk noise and just locks up. I look under the car at the yoke and it has moved out of the front of the third member about half an inch. Telling me that the pinion has now come loose and is locked against the ring gear. Thankfully I wasn't driving the car at the time. So, at least no permanent damage is done I think.
I know some of you are thinking man this guy must be a tight-*** and took his parts to shady mechanics. Not true at all. I used highly reputable shops that were known for quality work. Problem is they are not Mopar guys nor old car people. They are production people. I expect I will be dealing with the 4x4 shop that did my third member build in court due to his extremely busy schedule. At least the shop Gaas Automotive fixed their mistake for me for free and while I waited. (The shop that pressed the green bearings) If I've learned any lesson here is that don't take your parts or car somewhere that you haven't put time into research. Just because someone says they're great doesn't mean they really are.
I would like to know if possibly I can pull the pinion back into place myself and tighten the nut to proper torque specifications or am I completely hosed? Remember I wasn't driving the car when the pinion came loose. So, it should still be correct as far as tolerances and gear mesh goes (aside from the pinion having moved forward and locking against the ring gear). Thanks as always to the awesome members here for support and advice.
I know some of you are thinking man this guy must be a tight-*** and took his parts to shady mechanics. Not true at all. I used highly reputable shops that were known for quality work. Problem is they are not Mopar guys nor old car people. They are production people. I expect I will be dealing with the 4x4 shop that did my third member build in court due to his extremely busy schedule. At least the shop Gaas Automotive fixed their mistake for me for free and while I waited. (The shop that pressed the green bearings) If I've learned any lesson here is that don't take your parts or car somewhere that you haven't put time into research. Just because someone says they're great doesn't mean they really are.
I would like to know if possibly I can pull the pinion back into place myself and tighten the nut to proper torque specifications or am I completely hosed? Remember I wasn't driving the car when the pinion came loose. So, it should still be correct as far as tolerances and gear mesh goes (aside from the pinion having moved forward and locking against the ring gear). Thanks as always to the awesome members here for support and advice.