pinion nut

[bach4660]

how much torque is required for the pinion nut? #26 in the photo

[carl b51]

That is a GREAT question , everything I have read says somthing like --- tighten it securely.

Just looking at 1951-1952 Dodge Truck Shop Manual B-3 Series on page 39 at the bottom it says specified torque of 180 to 320 foot-pounds.

There it is hope this helps

[Dodgeb4ya]

All my dodge truck shop manuals from 1941-53 say the same as Carl said. I think you need to be careful about the drive pinion preload -as said in the shop manual not being too tight. I'd try 180lbs for starters. Did you just replace the seal and now need to tighten it back up? I always prick punch the nut/and the pinion shaft and the yoke before removing these parts so I can put the parts back exactly in the same position-then tighten the pinion nut one slot tighter than it was -unless there is a crush sleeve on the pinion shaft.

Bob

[bach4660]

I replaced the seal last year but noticed it leaks out the centre not where the seal is but through the threads of the nut.

[grey beard]

Replaced my pinion seal - nasty thing to get out - and just rattled the nut tight with my air wrench, feeling it often to make sure the bearing preload wasn't getting any tighter. I was able to get the preload on the pinion to become snug noticeably - didn't put an inch-pound torque wrench on it - till it felt much like the other new gear sets I have set up in the past - just a slight drag.

You will not find a toreue spec for this pinion nut because it controls the crush on a collar located between the front and rear pinion bearings. If the nut is overtorqued too much, the pinion will bind up in the case and the only fix is to pull the thing apart and press bearings off and back on again with a new crush collar. None of us want to do that. Just tighten it carefully, all the while being aware of pinion preload. It's easy to feel because most of our rears have enough back lash that feeling preload is fairly easy.

Good Luck