The 'E' Type Forum

Does anyone know where you can get the solid pinion spacer, p/n 8029 rather than the collapsible version.

My diff came with collapsibles on both the pinion and output shafts but having read most of the previous posts concerning ccollapsible spacers I'm inclined to go the solid route if I can get the parts.

Has anyone done this and if so, are the measurements available to get the solid spacers made or is it the case of using the compressed spacer off the car but reduce it by 10 thou for flexibility of setting.

Al

Hello Al,
I make them, and I have the advantage of having a CNC lathe on hand to make a specific size spacer when required.

With regards to the adjustment via solid spacers, you have two options:
1. As in my case, I have a master spacer that is too long by circa 0.25mm that will assure measurable end float when assembled. The master spacer is assembled with the pinion and bearing system of the diff, and after the companion flange is torqued up correctly, a measurement of the end float is taken. Armed with this measurement, I select a spacer that is equal to the Master Spacer, less the measured end float, and less 0.05mm to result in a pre-load that in the majority of cases will be correct. The pre-load is determined by measuring the torque required to rotate the Pinion Shaft. I have a bank of spacers that vary by 0.025mm to select from.

2. In the absence of a Master Spacer to determine a base line end float measurement of your particular bearing system, and a number of varying length spacers to select from, obtain a spacer that too long than you anticipate will be required. Use this spacer to get the base line end float measurement, then after obtaining the end float measurement, reduce the length of the spacer by the end float measurement, plus an amount to obtain the correct end float.

With method 2, it's safer to reduce the length of the spacer by the end float only for the first test fitting after end float measurement, and then test for end float again, and for the correct torque reading. Then rinse and repeat until the torque reading, and hence the pre-load, is correct.

Regards,

Bill

Hi Al.....you have your pinion on the bench with an outer bearing and the old crush spacer....not difficult to measuer up a solid spacer with shims.....I dont have a lathe so used ebay....a few guys there offer made to measure spacers etc and plenty of shims available....Steve..ps this drawing from another member shows very clearly the difference in the solid and crush spacer setup so a solid spacer to replace the crush one will be quite different