I got an axle out of an 85 and averything seems to be in pretty good shape. Im going to rebuild the whole axle anyway, but the pinion is loose. I can move the pinion in and out about 1/4inch. I can imagine why. The way I see it is the pinion is moving back and forth on the ring gear. I havent pulled the third out to see whats going on yet. Is there a bearing that is shot? I have never set up a pinion before. I have put a locker in and set the back lash but thats it. Any info would be great. Thanks Stinson

If it's what I think it is, the carrier bearing is shot.

x2

i'd definately get a new set of bearings(itstall kit) and rebuild the diff. as long as the teeth on the ring and pinion gears don't show any signs of damage, you should be fine.

Thanks guys. So I guess if im putting in a carrier bearing, then that would be a good time to regear the third because I have to set everything up at the same time right? Or can I just put a carrier bearing in with out haveing to set the pinion up?

Do it all while you've got 'er torn down. You can save up for the other end; you just can't use your 4wd...if you can afford both, do it.

not sure why ppl telling you it's the carrier bearings ???
if your pinion shaft moves in and out a quarter inch then it's the pinion bearings that are shot and the crush sleeve to also ur pinion may have chewed on the carrier it's self i had two diffs do that to me!
recomend full rebuild cuz gears will be shot to almost certan !! and install crush sleeve eliminator kits from allprooffroad.com harder to set up but when done right bom proof !!! espesialy with lockers and lower gears + bigger tires i have done it all and gears are good even though i break axle's and stripped my detriot locker recently gears and pinion are good just need new locker now and bom prof axles hope this helps fell free to contact me for help!!!
shannon 84toymonster

i agree. i would say pinion bearing.
possible bad carrier bearings too, but less likely.

dosent really matter either way though. it means a rebuild or replacing is in order.

You broke the detroit but the gears are fine? That's a first for me. Not saying it didn't happen but usually it's the otherway around, that's interesting. Anyone else had this happen? Maybe Detroits aren't as bombproof as they say.

YEP belive it or not i didn't till i pulled it out rounded teeth on one half of locker teeth so it just slips and clunks under load but interestingly enough sounds even wierder but i then put it in the back was up front and seems to work fine not sure if it'll work in reverse with a load probly not but well i'll get couple more miles out off it had it for 4 cyl 6 cyl and v8 like 9 years ow ya though 4.11's and 4.88 that are still in and fine due to eliminating the crush sleeve yahoo chewed up two carriers and two 4.11's
p.s. i was told right after i bought them that they was week but i didn't harsh on them on the pavement just out wheeling lasted me good i'm happy took v8 and 4.88 and 35 14.5 boggers and hard wheeling to break years later was ok may buy another new generation not sure .. shannon thanks for ur interst and questions !!

well there ya go there is the reason he blew out the locker

"320 hp small block"

pull the smb and drop a built 22re in there and problem solved. had the smb and had the built 22re, would definitally take the 22re anyday, less problems. haha lol