Drive Pinion Depth
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 1990 GMC Pickup, 1990 GMC Cab & Chassis, 1990 Chevrolet Pickup, 1990 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis, and 1989 GMC Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Lubricate inner and outer pinion bearings liberally with axle lubricant. Hold pinion bearings in position and install Pinion Shim Setting Gauge (J-36601-4) for K10/20 Series or (J-36601-3) for K30 Series. Install Dial Indicator (J-29763) onto gauge. See Fig 1. With gauge installed, preload inner and outer pinion bearings to 10-15 INCH lbs. (1.0-1.6 N.m) by tightening shim setting gauge mounting bolt while holding end of gauge shaft with a wrench. Rotate shaft several times to ensure bearings have seated. Recheck preload.
- Push dial indicator downward until needle rotates approximately 3 turns clockwise. Tighten dial indicator in this position. Set button of pinion shim setting gauge on differential bearing bore.NOTE: 4WD front axle drive pinions are nominal or zero, and are not marked. Shim thickness will equal dial indicator gauge reading.
- Rotate gauge slowly back and forth until dial indicator reads lowest point of bore. Set dial indicator to zero. Repeat rocking action of gauge to verify zero setting.
- After zero setting is obtained and verified, move gauge button out of differential side bearing bore. Record dial indicator reading. Use a shim that is exactly the same size as indicator reading.
- Remove dial indicator and gauge from carrier. Position correct shim on drive pinion. Install drive pinion.