pinion shaft install problem

[Shirley]

I am rebuilding my t-lok right now. Everything was going great, except I cannot get the pinion shaft back through the spider gears. They are lined up properly, except that I can see the slightest outline of the backs of the spider gears throught the hole where the pinion shaft is installed. I cannot for the life of me get them to clear. I have tried everything, and now the shaft is a little scuffed. Does anyone know any tricks to get them "perfectly aligned"? or did I do something wrong in a previous step to cause this. And can you use the pinion shaft if it is scuffed, its nothing horrible, but it ain't perfect.
thanks

 

[NIKwoaC]

You will just have to rotate the side gears to "walk" the pinion gears into the right places while you try to slide in the pinion shaft. Don't force anything, if you get it in place correctly, it shouldn't fight you too much. Adding a little bit of light lube will help too (like engine oil).

 

[Timebandit]

How to you rotate side gears

Hello,

I am new to the group. I am replacing axles in my 2004 mustang Mach 1. I put the new axle in and just turned it forward and back a little bit. It felt like it slipped a little bit. I looked at the differential and noticed that the side gears have moved. There is not way that the pinion shaft would fit through.

* This is my first time, so my terminology might not be correct.

I read the post above - regarding rotating the side gears to line it up - but I can not budget them.

Does anybody have any ideas? I would really appreciate any guidance.

Thanks,
Timebandit - Bryan

 

[Timebandit]

Problem Fixed

Hey Guys,

I have figured it out. I found out that you have to lock the ring gear (I just wedged a wrench between the ring gear and the diff case) and turn the driver side axle - the spider gears will rotate and line up with the hole for the pinion shaft.

* My smaller spider gear was rotating our of place and start to come out - not lined up with the hole for the pinion shaft.

My spider gears have a S spring in the middle.

Thanks
Timebandit

 

[rd]

Yes, it can be tricky to get the pinions and the washers under them all lined up again, but, as noted, some judicious turning of the diff should get them their.

If you notice which direction it turned when apart, then the opposite will help it go back.

Done this several times.