Setting pinion depth on Richmond 3.73s?

[88 Fox GT]

I've read from a few different sources (some on this board) that Richmond and Ford Racing gears are made by the same company, so I'm assuming that this method of setting pinion depth should work for me.

Basically, I don't know where to find the pinion depth measuring tool yet, so I'm going to try this method if I don't find the tool.

Shimming the new pinion head to equal the measurement of the factory pinion head and shim

This is the method that I think makes the most sense - if you are installing Ford Racing Performance Parts. After removing the stock pinion gear from the housing you would measure the thickness of the pinion head and shim with a dial caliper. Then you would measure the thickness of the new pinion head. Subtract the latter from the former, and you come up with your pinion shim thickness.

For example, you measure the factory head and shim and find a measurement of 1.975". You then measure the new pinion head and get a measurement of 1.945". By subtraction you find that you need to use a shim which is .030" thick. Put that sized shim on the new pinion and take another measurement with the dial caliper to be sure you reach the stock number.

If this method is used, pay particular attention to the wear pattern measured with white gear marking compound after installation.

 

[352Ford2]

those gears set up the same than any other gears do. randys ring and pinon sell the tool amoug many other places, I have set up tons of diffs and I havent used one. I use a guess and check moethoud. If you are only changing one piece of the puzzle (ie only the gears) put it back together with everything set up the way it was before (all the same shims and stuff) and I have found about 85% of the time it sets up right, check everthing and your good to go

 

[88 Fox GT]

those gears set up the same than any other gears do. randys ring and pinon sell the tool amoug many other places, I have set up tons of diffs and I havent used one. I use a guess and check moethoud. If you are only changing one piece of the puzzle (ie only the gears) put it back together with everything set up the way it was before (all the same shims and stuff) and I have found about 85% of the time it sets up right, check everthing and your good to go

Well, I'm changing gears, all bearings & seals, and rebuilding the traction lok. Would the new bearings or anything throw off pinion depth or backlash?

 

[dragnazz5.0]

yes..a little....more so for the preload. after you set the carrier preload make sure you put .004-.006" on each side of the carrier to accomodate for bearing wear and break in. dont worry about the pinion unless you use a solid sleeve instead of a crush sleeve. the crush sleeve will take up a few thousandths of wear.