• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

pinion shaft install problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter Shirley
  • Start date Start date Mar 17, 2008
S

Shirley

Founding Member
Nov 14, 2001
112
0
0
Phoenix, AZ
Mar 17, 2008
#1
  • Mar 17, 2008
  • #1
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

中國製造
15 Year Member
Oct 31, 2006
5,525
943
214
Chengdu Province
Mar 17, 2008
#2
  • Mar 17, 2008
  • #2
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).
 
T

Timebandit

New Member
Sep 11, 2011
2
0
0
Sep 11, 2011
#3
  • Sep 11, 2011
  • #3
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
 
T

Timebandit

New Member
Sep 11, 2011
2
0
0
Sep 11, 2011
#4
  • Sep 11, 2011
  • #4
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

Founding Member
Jan 12, 2000
3,316
63
109
Ocean Springs MS
Sep 13, 2011
#5
  • Sep 13, 2011
  • #5
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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
2004 Mustang 3.8L V6 vibrations above 65 MPH and differential leaks
  • joeybuddy96
  • Mar 16, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
17
Views
984
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Aug 29, 2026
joeybuddy96
J
S
Drivetrain 8.8 Pinion and 302 rear main seal leaks after replacing. 93 5.0 with t-5
  • Steigy4827
  • Jun 23, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
10
Views
859
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 1, 2026
Steigy4827
S
3
Eight inches is enough for me...
  • 351MooseStang
  • Nov 27, 2025
  • 1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech
Replies
5
Views
772
1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech Mar 2, 2026
Bullitt347
6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
5
Views
1K
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Oct 19, 2026
mattcrp1
M
K
Intense Shaking problem
  • KP_NewEdge
  • Jun 11, 2025
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
1
Views
358
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Jun 11, 2025
gkomo
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?